You’ve probably heard that stress can negatively impact your mental and physical health. But, did you know that stress can also harm your teeth over time? Some of the most common effects of stress on oral health include:

Grinding and Clenching

Stress can cause grinding or clenching of the teeth, which is often involuntary. Most people who grind and/or clench their teeth tend to do so in their sleep, but it can also occur during the day. 

Grinding and clenching frequently over a long period can have several negative effects on your teeth. For one, the teeth may become chipped, flattened, or develop sharp edges. This wearing down of the teeth due to grinding (or bruxism, as it’s officially called) can damage the enamel, leading to sensitivity.

Over time, the teeth may become loose or broken from grinding and clenching, and you may experience chronic jaw pain. TMJ disorder, which is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint in the jaw, can also develop as a result of grinding and clenching. 

Wearing a custom-fitted night guard from your dentist can help prevent tooth damage and jaw pain from grinding and clenching. By getting a night guard now, you may be able to prevent serious tooth damage that would require restorations. 

Gum Disease

Stress diminishes the strength of the immune system, making your body less able to fight off infection. Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue in the mouth and can cause tooth decay, bleeding gums, and bad breath. Frequently feeling stressed out can both contribute to the development of gum disease and speed up its progression. 

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, which is also called xerostomia, is a condition that occurs when the salivary glands don’t produce an adequate amount of saliva. This can cause the mouth to feel dry and uncomfortable. Stress and anxiety have been shown to trigger dry mouth by decreasing saliva production in some cases. 

In addition to being uncomfortable, dry mouth can be a detriment to your oral health. Saliva is a crucial natural defense against tooth decay because it counteracts acid-producing bacteria and helps remove food particles in the mouth. With dry mouth, the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease is heightened. 

If you’re in need of periodontal care or restorations to reverse the effects of stress on the teeth and gums, schedule an appointment at Dental Implant Solutionz.