Every day life is stressful, and it’s virtually impossible to eliminate all stress. However, high stress levels can affect overall health.
Part of the problem is that people who are very stressed can tend to forget or neglect their overall health. They may have little time or inclination to exercise regularly or to eat healthily. Also, oral health can become a low priority.
Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Dental Health
There are several ways that stress can impact dental health, including bruxism and dry mouth.
Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching in Oshawa, is a common problem that can worsen if you are under stress or experiencing anxiety. It is often a nocturnal issue, so you may not realize they have this condition.
Symptoms can include waking up with a headache, aching jaw and aching teeth. Teeth might start to feel more sensitive as the protective tooth enamel wears down. You may notice teeth begin to look shorter or have sharper biting or incisal edges as they become thinner and worn. Teeth grinding can be quite loud, so a partner may complain that it is disrupting their sleep.
Severe bruxism can wear down teeth so they are little more than stubs. It can cause facial pain and pain that radiates out into the neck and shoulders.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth or xerostomia in Whitby is a condition where inadequate saliva is produced to keep the mouth clean, moist and comfortable. It is often a side effect of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, some of which may be used to treat depression and anxiety.
Xerostomia can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay because the drier conditions allow harmful bacteria to thrive.
How We Can Help
At Margolian Dentistry, we strive to ensure every dental visit is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. Our team is friendly and approachable, and very easy to talk to about anything.
If it has been a while since you last visited a dentist in Ajax, we encourage you to book a dental exam and hygiene appointment. During this appointment, we can diagnose any problems affecting your oral health, including bruxism, dry mouth, and dental disease, and provide appropriate treatment, as well as offer valuable advice and support.
Coping with Bruxism
Bruxism is a common problem that can be relieved with a custom-made night guard. It will fit comfortably over your teeth, usually your upper teeth, preventing you from clenching and grinding during the night.
You may also wish to try other techniques such as meditation, yoga or regular exercise to help reduce stress levels.
Coping with Dry Mouth
When dry mouth is a problem, we can devise a preventive dental care plan for you that might include more regular hygiene appointments. Cleaning your teeth professionally helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. At the same time, we can provide helpful advice on using the best of brushing and flossing techniques between appointments.
We may recommend simple techniques such as sucking on ice cubes, chewing sugar-free gum or simply sipping on water frequently to help your mouth remain moister and more comfortable. Another option is to use an over the counter or prescription saliva substitute that you can spray in your mouth whenever you need to.
If prescription medications are causing xerostomia, it might be worth having a chat with your GP. They may be able to prescribe something different or adjust your dosage to help you feel more comfortable. It’s important to always talk to them first, as you should never discontinue prescription medications without proper medical advice.