Stress commonly plays a role sometime during the day for everyone. But did you know stress can actually affect your oral health?
For many people stress is a part of each day. It starts with the morning commute and ends with those late night emails that constantly interrupt family dinners. Many people choose to head to the gym, take a yoga class, practice meditation, or simply disconnect from their smartphones to help de-stress. While these tactics can be very helpful, one place that can truly help during heightened stressful times in life is a trip to the dentist’s office.
Dentistry And Stress
Did you know that stress can cause damage to your teeth? That’s right, when you are stressed you are more likely to clench your teeth during the day, which can wear down your molars, cause chips, and crack previously completed dental work. You might find that you are also grinding your teeth at night when you are under high stress conditions. This grinding action can further harm your teeth or cause damage to the TMD joint in your jaw.
To help save your teeth from damage, your trusted Boise dentists might encourage you to wear a medical mouth guard at night. This mouth guard is customized to your exact tooth and jaw line. It is designed to help you avoid damaging your teeth and jaw through unwanted grinding or clenching actions while you are sleeping. In addition to the custom mouth guard, it is also a good idea for you to keep your teeth slightly separated when you are not eating. This might seem a bit strange, but it will help you from subconsciously clenching your jaw throughout the day.
Have you ever noticed that you seem to be less healthy when you’re stressed? The reason behind this feeling is simple, when you are stressed out for long periods of time your immune system becomes weaker. A weakened immune system can lead to irritated gums, unwanted gum decay, and infections. In fact, a recent study at the University of North Carolina, University of Michigan, and the State University of New York at Buffalo, found that emotional factors, such as stress, had a significant role in adults developing gum (periodontal) disease.
Stressed Out? Lowry Dental Can Help
Before you let the effects of stress wreak havoc on your mouth, be sure to visit Lowry Dental in Boise, Idaho. The dentists will determine the best way to protect your gums, teeth, and mouth from the unwanted damage caused by stress. To learn more, contact a member of the dental team today to schedule your next appointment.