Did you know that stress has the ability to damage your smile? It is widely known that stress causes various symptoms such as irritation, anxiety, tension, and headaches. However, our Oakville, ON dentist knows about the serious repercussions our teeth may experience with uncontrolled stress. So how does stress affect our dental health?
Gum Disease: An infection of the gums, gum disease can develop due to uncontrolled and long-term stress. When a person’s stress level continually increases, the immune system weakens, which makes the body more vulnerable and susceptible to infections.
Canker Sores: Also known as ulcers, canker sores form as a result of unconsciously biting the inside of one’s own cheeks or brushing teeth too hard. These behaviors can arise when feeling stressed and can lead to painful and annoying sores in the mouth, causing discomfort and even significant trauma.
TMJ Disorders: Temporomandibular joint, referred to as TMJ, can be a side effect of uncontrolled stress. Patients with TMJ will usually clench their jaw or grind their teeth, aggravating the muscles in the neck and jaw. Symptoms of TMJ include discomfort, tooth sensitivity, pain, a clicking or popping jaw, and flattened tooth tips.
Bruxism: Much like TMJ, Bruxism also leads individuals with high levels of stress to grind or clench their teeth, affecting the function and aesthetic look of their smile. Consequences of bruxism include flattened tooth tips, tongue indentations, damaged tooth enamel, and tooth sensitivity.
Visit Dr. Zajac in Oakville, ON
If you continuously struggle to manage your stress and are concerned about your dental health, contact Dr. Zajac at Zajac Dental. Our dedicated Oakville dentist and team are here to assist you and give you the preventative care you need to keep your smile healthy for years to come! Avoid serious damage to your smile and visit Dr. Zajac today!