You must have heard that stress and worry can disrupt your sleep cycle and hormones. But did you know that stress and anxiety can cause tooth pain and jaw problems? That’s right! Stress and oral health are linked in more ways than you can imagine.
This blog is here to shed light on the connection between stress and tooth pain. It also offers tips on how to relieve stress-related oral health problems.
How stress and tooth pain are connected
So, let’s start with the 9 oral disorders that can be caused by stress:-
jaw problems
When you are upset, you may clench or grind your teeth, which puts undue stress on your jaw joints. This can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, including discomfort, jaw stiffness, and difficulty opening and closing your mouth.
Teeth grinding and tooth pain
Can teeth hurt from stress? Yes. They do. Stress-induced excessive teeth grinding can lead to TMJ and wear down enamel. This condition can also cause tooth sensitivity and, in the worst case, a tooth fracture.
Poor oral hygiene
Self-care routines, including oral hygiene, can take a backseat when stress levels rise. Neglecting regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
To bite nails
When you are nervous or anxious, you may bite your nails. Unfortunately, this behavior can be detrimental to your teeth and dental health. Regular nail biting can lead to chipped or fractured teeth, worn enamel, and jaw difficulties.
hormones
Stress can also disrupt the body’s hormonal balance and affect dental health. Stress-induced hormonal changes can increase the risk of gum disease, dry mouth, and taste abnormalities.
Thrush
Stress can deplete your immune system, making you more vulnerable to viral diseases like thrush. These painful mouth ulcers can form as a result of stress and can make it difficult to eat and speak comfortably.
Oral infections or sores
Stress can affect your teeth and your immune system at the same time. As a result, your body may not fight oral diseases very well. This can increase the chance of oral infections, cold sores, or fungal infections.
Decreased immune system
As stated above, persistent stress affects your immune system, which is a major health issue in itself. A weaker immune system makes it harder for your body to fight germs and viruses, increasing your chances of getting cavities, gum disease, and oral infections.
Dry mouth
Stress can also cause dry mouth, which is characterized by inadequate saliva production. Saliva is essential for maintaining dental health because it removes food particles, neutralizes acids, and prevents bad breath, cavities, and oral infections.
4 Ways to Combat Stress-Induced Oral Health Conditions
Now that you know the oral disorders caused by stress, let’s look at the 4 most effective ways to relieve its symptoms.
Talk to your dentist
If you have a stress-related dental disorder, seek immediate care. dental services is essential. A dentist can offer expert advice, prescribe treatments, and help you develop a personalized strategy to improve your dental health. They can also address any concerns or questions about stress-related oral problems.
Avoid hard or crunchy foods
Avoid hard or crunchy foods to minimize further damage to your teeth and jaws, especially if you have jaw discomfort or teeth grinding. Choose softer, easier-to-chew options, such as cooked vegetables, yogurt, or smoothies. This can help relieve pain and reduce pressure on the tissues in your mouth.
Refrain from supporting tobacco and alcohol
You may be tempted to use tobacco or alcohol to cope with difficult times. However, as much as stress and oral health are related, these lifestyle habits also negatively affect your teeth. Tobacco can discolor teeth, cause gum disease, and increase the chance of oral cancer. Dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum disease can be caused by alcohol.
Ask about prescription medications
In certain situations, your dentist may recommend that you use prescription medications to relieve the symptoms of stress-related dental diseases. These medications may provide temporary relief or help treat the underlying causes of your oral health problems.
Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but it is essential to understand how it affects dental health. You can take proactive steps to maintain your oral health by recognizing these 9 ways your teeth may hurt due to stress and applying the 4 tips to decrease symptoms.
Always prioritize self-care, practice proper dental hygiene, and seek expert advice from your dentist. Even in difficult times, your smile deserves the utmost care!
