A lot of things can result in stress. Added financial obligations, persistent illness, loss of a loved one, anxiety, or divorce are but a few. Unfortunately, distress not only brings physical and emotional turmoil, but also affects your oral health.
Jaw Ache and Discomfort
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or jaw joint is usually targeted by stress, which can affect oral health. When under undue stress, you may develop a tendency of grinding and clenching your teeth regularly. This subconscious reaction inflicts some pressure on the teeth as well as on mandible muscles. Over time, frequent clenching and grinding results in the development of the TMJ disorder. TMJ is a painful disorder characterized by jaw clicking, having a locked jaw, or its popping. If any of these symptoms are worrying you, visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa for treatment and further advice.
Development of Canker Sores
Many have experienced agony brought about by annoying canker sores on the mouth. These sores are mainly a result of mouth injury, irritation, or vitamin B deficiency in the body. However, several studies have indicated that these painful mouth ulcers are also perpetrated by stress. The lesions are very painful, induce a pricking and burning sensation and cause difficulty in eating, swallowing, and speaking. Therefore, reducing stress and anxiety will go a long way into curbing the emergence of canker sores. In case you are already suffering from them, check with the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa for mouth wash and gels recommended to ease the pain.
Reduced Immune Response
It's commonly known that stress plays a significant role in lowering the immune system. A decreased immune response is something no one would wish for. Such a system accelerates the chances of acquiring gum diseases. These diseases are marked by loss of teeth, bad mouth odour, and bleeding gums. Gum diseases drastically affect the mouth and, in severe cases, impair the ability to talk, eat, or even swallow food. Furthermore, the bacteria responsible for the disease can swiftly find its way into the bloodstream via the bleeding gums, further weakening your immune system. Avoiding stress, proper nutrition, and observing dental hygiene must keep your immune system at par.
Dry Mouth Issue
Burning or dry mouth syndrome is a feeling of inflammation and a dryness in the mouth. Stress, anxiety, certain medications, tobacco and alcohol use, as well as depression, have been implicated. The role of stress in causing dry mouth feeling is a point of concern. Tooth decay, gingivitis, mouth infections, and difficulty in wearing dentures are among the problems associated with the burning mouth issue. Therefore, learning how to control stress is paramount, where stress counselling and taking antidepressant medications are advised.
Biting the Nails
Regular biting of fingernails has been deemed as a stress and anxiety-related habit. This can harm your oral health as well as general health. The action contributes to teeth dislocations, their wear and tear, and it also facilitates to germs on the fingernails moving into your mouth, resulting in oral infections. Your nails harbour a lot of microbes, and through constant nail-biting, the dangerous microorganisms get into the body, thereby introducing more diseases.
Tobacco Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
Some individuals engage in tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking habits in a bid to escape their stressful situations. In North America, for example, this is quite common. Sadly, with time, the habits cause the development of periodontal diseases, teeth discolourations, teeth loss, and mouth sores due to compounded reduced immune response.
The bottom line is, stress is a problem with most people, and its complications can cost you time, finances, and happiness. Therefore, understanding how to manage stress will go a long way toward protecting your oral and overall health. Comprehending what stresses you (by possibly noting them down), ensuring you have enough sleep (at least 7-8 hours daily), sharing your issues with a responsible person you trust, and doing exercises is a great way to win the battle. Additionally, seek medical attention should you find it challenging to cope up with stress. Avoid oral health consequences by having routine dental check-ups at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
