Have you ever found yourself with unexpected jaw pain after a long week of work? Do you find yourself clenching your teeth when you’re trying to meet an important deadline? If so, you’re not alone. Numerous studies have demonstrated the connection between the stress in our lives and certain behaviors. These behaviors can have a detrimental effect on the quality of your oral health and might even cause severe damage that requires assistance from a dentist in Springfield to treat. Thankfully, there are ways you can intervene before things get really bad. Read on to find out how stress might be impacting your oral health.
What are the signs that stress is damaging my mouth?
Stress isn’t a problem when you have healthy ways to deal with it. If you don’t, then your body will handle it through unusual physical behaviors. These could include:
- Teeth grinding and clenching: This is a common response to stress. It can wear down your teeth, eventually leading to noticeable cracks and chips.
- Jaw pain: When you clench and grind your teeth, you’re putting pressure on your jaw and jaw joints. This can lead to a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, which can make moving your jaw painful.
- Canker sores: These are little white ulcers that appear in the gum and interior cheek tissue. They sting when touched and can make it difficult to eat and brush your teeth.
- Infections: Stressful situations can make it harder for your immune system to fight the bacteria that are present in your mouth.
How can I reduce stress in my life?
To protect your oral health, it is important to deal with stress in your life. For most people, only a few simple steps are necessary. These include:
- Sleeping at least eight hours a day
- Avoiding caffeinated beverages like coffee and energy drinks
- Taking breaks and exercising to get away from sources of stress
- Prioritizing tasks and completing the most important ones first
- Limiting your responsibilities by delegating work
What should I do if I can’t control my stress?
If you find that pain in your mouth persists despite these strategies, then it might be time to contact your dentist for help. He or she will be able to give you a thorough examination and provide you with a solution that can protect your teeth.
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t mean it should ruin your oral health. Using these healthy strategies can reduce your risk of dealing with a dental injury and increase your overall quality of life.
About the Author
Dr. Eric Tolliver is a dentist who currently practices at Galleria Dental in Springfield. He was president of the Greater Springfield Dental Society and was selected as one of America’s top dentists by a panel of his peers. If you want to find out more about how he can protect your teeth, you can reach him at his website or at 417-887-5757.