How does stress impact your smile?

• Posted on: Feb 15 2022
• By: henley.tabal

It’s understood that high levels of stress can impact one’s physical and emotional health and wellbeing. But were you aware that high levels of stress can also be bad for your smile? Drs. Nancy Gill, Dallas Kenson, and Evelyn Qi of Golden Dental Solutions in Golden, Colorado believe that patients need to be aware of the way stress impacts the teeth and gums, and how it can contribute to oral health issues.

What are some stress-related oral health conditions that may develop?

Understanding how stress affects the smile is the first step in taking charge of your oral health. Below are just a few of the ways in which stress can impact the teeth and gums:

• Tooth grinding. One of the most damaging conditions is bruxism. Many patients with high stress may find themselves clenching and grinding their teeth, either during the day or at night when they sleep. This can cause unwanted tooth wear, jaw soreness, chronic headaches, and breakage of natural teeth and dental restorations.
• Jaw problems. Patients with stress may also be diagnosed with a condition known as TMJ or TMD. This stands for the temporomandibular joint that hinges the jaw open and closed. Patients might notice clicking, popping, pain, and locking of the jaw.
• Oral infections and sores. Stress often leads to the development of cold sores and canker sores, which can be long-lasting, painful, and contagious. Always keep an eye out for ulcers or spots in the mouth when dealing with higher levels of stress.
• Gum disease. When you are experiencing stress, you may lower your body’s ability to fight off infection, including the cold or flu. Additionally, there can be increase in inflammation, causing patients to be more at risk of developing gum disease (periodontal disease).

How do I learn more?

If you are experiencing high levels of stress and are concerned about any of the above conditions, it’s time to work with a Golden, CO area dentist to assess the smile and decide what can be done to bring the smile back to health. Call (303) 277-9600 to request a consultation visit with our dentists at 1219 Arapahoe Street. We are open to new and returning patients.

Posted in: Dental Health