Has The State Of Your Oral Health Changed Recently?
Have you noticed a difference with your oral health and can’t quite put your finger on what might be causing the problem? A number of patients who maintain proper oral hygiene and continue to visit our office regularly are experiencing symptoms with their teeth and jaw that are a mystery. We know what the potential problem might be and the answer may surprise you. Continue reading to learn more about what might be causing your unexplained dental health concerns.
Stress and Your Oral Health
The past year has been anything but ordinary. The entire world has been living through a pandemic, and while there are minor improvements, life is still not back to what we would consider normal. The changes in work, school, family life and experiences we have lived through have caused a large number of patients to experience added stress in their lives. Doctors and counselors across the country are seeing an influx of patients who are experiencing stress-related issues. Our office is no exception as we are seeing patients who are noticing jaw tenderness as well as cracks or recent imperfections in their teeth. The common problem with the majority of patients is added stress.
How Does Stress Affect Your Oral Health
If stress is a recent occurrence in your life, you might not realize the signs the body displays that can cause dental issues. During times of stress it is not uncommon for your body to become tense. When in a tense state, the mouth can clench, adding pressure to the teeth and jaw. Over time, this pressure can cause the enamel of the teeth to crack or break. Your jawbone is also not meant to repeatedly endure this pressure which can result in a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder. Signs of TMD are:
- Discomfort in the jaw
- Uncomfortable when chewing or eating
- Clicking or popping sound when the mouth is opened
- Unexplained headaches, especially when waking
- Muscle spasms in the jaw
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above or are noticing tooth discomfort, please make an appointment, and we can discuss your concerns and determine if stress might be the cause. We can work together to create a solution to get your oral health back on track.
If you are feeling added stress in your life, please know that things will hopefully get better sooner rather than later. We are here to help you with any oral discomfort or concerns you may have. We look forward to seeing you in our office located in Denton, MD soon.
