How Does Your Teeth Let You Know That You Are Under Stress?

Your teeth reveal more than your smile and eating habits. Problems related to your teeth may reveal your stress levels. Your dentist will be the right person to throw light on the issue, but we are providing our take on the subject.

Stress can affect your teeth in many ways. So, if your dentist says that you need to take precautions and treatment, you should follow the advice.

How does Your Teeth Tell You are Suffering from Stress?

Here are few of the common symptoms.

1. Bruxism

For the most readers, this will be a new term. Bruxism is the term to describe grinding and clenching of teeth. Grinding means moving your jaw back and forth that results in abrasion of teeth enamel. When you press your teeth with pressure, it is known as Clenching.

Symptoms

Grinding and clenching happen when you are sleeping and in 70% cases caused by stress and anxiety. The symptoms of bruxism may include from swollen jaw muscles, cracked teeth, sensitive teeth, and flatter teeth.

What is the Treatment?

The most effective way for avoiding bruxism effects is using a night guard. These are plastic cushions that prevent damaging your teeth. It does not avoid grinding and clenching but instead of damaging teeth, night guards bear the brunt.

These can be placed on both the upper and lower teeth. Usually, dentists recommend it for upper teeth. Night guard restores natural spacing between the upper and lower teeth and thus, prevents bruxism.

2. Gum Diseases

Stress increases chances of contradicting gum diseases. Gum disease may initiate gingivitis and lead to more severe disease, like periodontitis. In periodontitis, gums get slightly detached from the teeth creating spaces. It provides a perfect place for infections to thrive.

Symptoms

The symptoms of gum disease may vary from swollen, red gums to bleeding gums. Manage your stress levels and adopt proper oral hygiene measures for healthy gums.

3. Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

TMD is related to jaw and neck muscles. Due to severe and prolonged clenching and grinding, it may lead to TMD. If you experience sore jaw muscles or pain in the jaw and neck, you may be suffering from TMD. It is also known to be induced by stress.

Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ) is a type of TMD that affects the joint between your lower jaw and skull. If you experience ticking sound or pain when moving your jaw, it can be a symptom of TMJ. Consult your dentist and use night guards to prevent grinding and clenching habits.

4. Dry Mouth and Canker Sores

When you are under stress, you are more likely to breathe heavily and that too, from your mouth. It can lead to a condition of dry mouth. It may induce difficulties in swallowing food and increasing the risk of cavities. Drink optimum water and rinse your mouth with mouthwash to prevent dry mouth.

Due to stress, a person tends to grind teeth, chew tongue and cheeks. It can result in canker sores or mouth ulcers. It causes severe pain and interferes with chewing and swallowing food. Canker sores can be treated with home remedies as well as medical treatments.

Along with visiting your dentist, you should also consider taking care of your mental health to control your stress. Join a gym, exercise and brush twice daily!