Whether it's from family issues, problems at the workplace, or something else, stress can have a big impact on a person's health. These health impacts can also include the teeth and gums as well as the rest of the body. After experiencing high levels of stress for long periods of time, many people find that their oral health has deteriorated. One issue is that many people choose to forgo trips to the dentist whenever they are under high levels of stress. However, trips to the dentist are needed in order to prevent long-lasting damage to the teeth and gums. Here are three clues that stress may be impacting oral health.

Grinding Teeth

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is something that many people do while stressed. It's also a condition that can get worse during times of stress. Most people are able to control grinding their teeth during the day, but it's a different story while asleep. Around 8% of adults grind their teeth while they sleep. The symptoms of teeth grinding include headaches, earaches, facial fain, and severe teeth damage. Treatment for teeth grinding is often a combination of stress reduction and wearing soft plastic mouthguards at night. There are plenty of dentists that are able to create these mouthguards but they do come at a price. The average cost is between $300 and $500 for a custom mouthguard. 

Gum Disease

Anyone who notices any changes in their gums during a time of higher-than-average stress should seek out a dentist. Some symptoms can include swollen or bleeding gums, loose teeth, bad breath, and receding gums. The link between stress and gum disease has been found in 57% of recent studies. The reason stress is thought to cause gum disease is that more cortisol is produced when a person is stressed. This hormone weakens the body's immune system and can make a person more susceptible to gum disease. Regular visits to the dentist and proper oral hygiene are the best way to treat and prevent gum disease.

Canker Sores And Dry Mouth

Canker sores are sores that form on the inside of the mouth. They can be painful, but they are mainly harmless. These sores often occur during times of high stress. Dentists and other professionals can help patients manage these sores during times of stress. Dry mouth is also an issue with many people who are under stress. Not only can stress cause dry mouth, certain medications that treat depression and anxiety can also cause dry mouth. Anyone experiencing dry mouth should visit a dentist for treatment.

Stress can wreak havoc on the body. Dental health can suffer in various ways. Those who are experiencing a lot of stress and that are grinding their teeth, noticing symptoms of gum disease, or suffering from canker sores or dry mouth should schedule a visit to the dentist as soon as possible.

For more information, contact Crystal Dental Care or a similar location.

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