Can Stress Cause Damage To Your Teeth?

Have you recently been feeling overwhelmed or anxious? If you answered yes, you are not alone. With all of the responsibilities of daily life, plus the events over the past year have led to an increase in stress in many adults. The signs of stress can be seen in the body with issues such as an increase in blood pressure, upset stomach, racing heart, and trouble sleeping. Dentists across the country are reporting that more patients than ever before are experiencing dental emergencies with the cause likely being stress related issues.

A Common Stress Related Dental Issue

You might be surprised to learn that your mouth can be a large indicator that you are experiencing excessive stress. During your routine examinations, we are able to determine how you clean your teeth, what kinds of foods you are eating, and your stress level. The biggest indicator of stress on the teeth is the level of wear on the back molars. There are a number of patients who suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding or clenching. Many patients who suffer from this are unaware that they grind their teeth because it typically happens during sleep. One of the biggest issues with bruxism is that it can lead to cracked or broken teeth. Cracked and broken teeth can also occur as a result of nail biting, a common habit during times of stress. When routine appointments are delayed, our team is not able to treat affected teeth and an emergency can happen.

Additional Warning Signs of Stress in the Mouth

Aside from teeth grinding and clenching, warning signs of high stress can include mouth sores, such as canker sores or ulcers. Dry mouth can also occur during times of stress. This is when there is not enough saliva in the mouth.

If you are located in the Bowie, MD area and find yourself experiencing any unusual dental conditions or a dental emergency we recommend calling our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Delaying needed dental care can lead to more severe problems in the future.