Stress can be linked to oral health problems
We all know that feeling stressed and overloaded can have a significant impact on our bodies. Yet did you know that excessive stress can damage your teeth? Eddie Coyle, the clinical director of Bupa Dental Care, tells us the six key signs that you could b
WE ALL know that feeling stressed and overloaded can have a significant impact on our bodies. Yet did you know that excessive stress can also damage your teeth? Eddie Coyle, the clinical director of Bupa Dental Care, tells us the six key signs that you could be under too much pressure..
BRUXISM
A LOT of patients who come through my doors have a condition called bruxism – more commonly known as teeth grinding.
This is where a patient, consciously or unconsciously, grinds their teeth and excessively clenches their jaw.
It’s often a side-effect of stress and anxiety. Often, bruxism is something patients are totally unaware of as it tends to happen during sleep.
While it may not always cause obvious pain, if it happens regularly over a prolonged period of time it can cause enamel to wear down, leading to increased sensitivity, ongoing headaches and in extreme cases even tooth loss.
If you think you might be grinding your teeth in your sleep, visit your dentist.
If necessary, they will be able to prescribe you with a mouth guard to protect against future damage.
Your dentist will be able to spot key indicators of teeth grinding, so even if you have no symptoms, make sure you get your regular check-ups booked just in case.
DRY MOUTH
Anxiety and stress can hinder the production of saliva, which in turn leads to dry mouth, which can cause difficulty in swallowing, a constant sore throat, trouble speaking and a parched tongue or lips.
Medications can also have the side-effect of a dry mouth, making the situation more complicated.
Luckily, plenty can be done to ease these symptoms. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day is essential, as well as flossing once a day.
Chewing a sugar-free gum will encourage your glands to produce saliva and you should take regular sips of water to keep your mouth moist.
If dry mouth persists, your dentist can conduct tests to find out the causes, and if necessary, prescribe a salivary stimulant.
HALITOSIS
As if suffering from dry mouth wasn’t bad enough, the reduction in saliva can also lead to bad breath. This is because gases caused by bacteria in your mouth are usually washed away by your saliva and swallowed, but if your mouth is dry, those gases remain.
Research has also shown that stomach acids can build up at times of stress, which can lead to acid reflux – which is another cause of bad breath.
Usually, strict oral hygiene is enough to prevent and treat bad breath. Make sure you brush twice a day, cleaning not only your teeth but your gums and tongue too.
If the problem continues, see your dentist to see whether the bad breath is related to an underlying health condition.
GUM DISEASE
Stress has a damaging effect on the immune system, which fights against the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, causing those under a great deal of stress to be more susceptible to gum disease.
In some cases, a deep clean under the gums, called root planing, may be needed to help reduce the bacterial load in the mouth.
Antiseptic mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine and hexetidine can also help.
These are available over the counter in pharmacies.
However, you should be wary of using a medicated mouthwash when you have healthy gums, as the ingredients can be harsh when not needed.
MOUTH ULCERS
These are small painful breaks in the skin surface that develop inside the mouth on the cheeks, lips or tongue. We’ve all suffered from them at some point and we know how painful and irritating they can be when brushing our teeth and eating.
Unfortunately these tend to appear more frequently with stress.
They can be linked with trauma in the mouth, such as biting the cheeks, which can be associated with teeth grinding, or not paying enough attention when brushing – and unfortunately, stress can exaggerate this type of compulsive behaviour.
Most mouth ulcers will go away within one or two weeks, but in order to ease the irritation it’s advisable not to eat food that is spicy, or has a high acid content, such as citrus fruits.
Numbing medication is also available over the counter to make eating less uncomfortable. If the ulcer persists beyond two weeks it is important to see your dentist to have it checked.
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER
Also known as TMD, this is a problem affecting the chewing muscles and the joints between the upper jaw which is part of your skull, and the lower jaw.
Clenching your jaw is a common side-effect of stress and if repeated regularly this can lead to persistent pain – in your teeth, the joint and even headaches.
These problems can have a negative impact on the health of your mouth if they are left untreated.
Moist heat or cold packs can ease the pain. Talk to your dentist about medication for your particular case, and a night guard may also be recommended to wear while you sleep.