How Stress Affects Your Oral Health
Americans are in a state of increased stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic across the nation. Our daily lives have been disrupted and we don’t know when things will go back to normal. Stress impacts both our mind and body. But do you know exactly how stress can impact your oral health? Montclair Plaza Dental Group, a dentist in Montclair, CA, discusses what you may see in the future.
Grinding and Clenching Your Teeth
A common sign of stress is teeth grinding and clenching, even if this wasn’t an issue that you had a problem with before. It can happen while you’re asleep, and you may not even know. It can also be done throughout the day without you even knowing. You can catch yourself doing it while focusing on a task.
Grinding and clenching can lead to a lot of pain. You may experience pain throughout your jaw, face, and ears. The tension caused may radiate through your neck and shoulders as well. Headaches are often a symptom, too. If you catch yourself during the day, attempt to consciously relax your jaw. This can help with symptoms.
TMJ Disorders
One of the causes of TMJ disorders is too much teeth grinding or clenching. Prolonged grinding or clenching can cause problems with the jaw joint. This can lead to your jaw popping and clicking while in use. You may have difficulty opening and closing your jaw and have problems eating or speaking.
While in isolation, it’s hard to get the full evaluation and treatment plan you need for this condition. There are some massage techniques and exercises available online that may help you. If you’re quarantined with a roommate, partner, or family member, they may be able to assist you. Once the pandemic is over, we can fully assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment program for your case.
Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth
The more wear and tear on your teeth, the more likely you are to experience one of these issues. You may have just a little cosmetic chip or can experience a severe break. This can leave the tooth pulp exposed and vulnerable, causing a lot of pain. We’d consider this an emergency and we’re still serving emergency dentistry throughout the crisis. Please call us immediately if this happens.
Your Dentist in Montclair, California
If you have a dental emergency, please call us immediately so you can be seen as quickly as possible. Also, think about the future of your teeth. Get a checkup when this is over to make sure stress hasn’t ruined your smile. Call us or schedule an appointment for the future online. We’re hoping we’ll see you soon!
