In this era of technological advancement, stress has become the order of the day. Although many people appreciate its adverse effects on the mental and physical well-being, they barely consider its harmful influences on oral hygiene. The link between what's going on in someone’s head and the condition of their teeth and gums is deeper than most people ever imagine. Coping mechanisms as the habits of grinding teeth and the inability to fight infection when stressed for long periods of time among others may manifest in a variety of dental issues that are not only uncomfortable and painful but also expensive to treat. It is therefore in the best interest of every person to appreciate the warning signs, and get equipped on the stress combating measures as basically a booster of healthy teeth, as well as professionals who provide dentistry in Barrie where such troubles are already acknowledged as stress-related.
Subliminal activities referred to as bruxism are among the most effective ways one can harbor ambition that impacts dental health even if one does not happen to have the problem of being stressed. Most people under smolder are not aware of when they flex their juzk bū or start clenching the teeth; it happens unconsciously or when sleeping respectively. Unfortunately, the power of this military mode of clenched teeth results in a variety of complications. Laikui bėgant, it tends to significantly wear out the enamel of the teeth leading to temperature sensitivity which may be hot or cold. On the other extreme of the spectrum, bruxism may impede severely enough that the teeth chip, fracture or even become loose, requiring restorations such as crowns or fillings, or even the bearing out of teeth extraction. Also, jaw discomfort, mainly in the temples, and earaches are somewhat widespread and often attributed to the hyper function of the jaws as well as their tmj muscles.
Apart from tooth grinding, prolonged psychological stress activities can adversely affect the health of the victim's immune system. More depressing is that with weak immune response, individuals are vulnerable to infections, including those that afflict the gums. Stress has been associated with gum disease, especially when it advances from mild conditions such as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) to severe conditions like periodontitis which causes bone loss and even loss of teeth. This is because the amount of stress a person is under affects the body's ability to cope with the bacteria found in gum infections leading to already existing gum conditions to worsen or increasing the risk of acquiring such diseases. Bleeding of the gums, constant bad breath, and gum recession are some examples of stress related conditions of the gum.
Moreover, stress could give rise to other problematic conditions with the mouth. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is often caused by anxiety and stress as a result of reduced saliva production by the body. It is important to note that saliva helps in cleaning the mouth, neutralizing acids and providing protection against tooth decay. When the mouth is dry constantly, bacteria are able to reproduce to very high levels hence creating a very conducive environment for the formation of cavities and gum infections. Similarly, it is well known that stress has a role in inducing the appearance of canker sores (lesions) inside the mouth, as well as colonization by herpes virus which causes the formation of cold sores (ulcers) on the skin around the mouth and lips.
The cumulative effect of stress on oral health can also lead to neglect of proper hygiene practices. When individuals are stunned or tired, routine activities such as brushing and flossing are often ignored or done improperly. This delay of care encourages dental caries and periodontitis in a more accelerated pace. Additionally, coping strategies employed to handle stress lead to the adoption of a number of unhealthy lifestyles, including but not limited to increased consumption of sugary foods and beverages, smoking, or drinking excessive alcohol, all of which increase the probability of dental caries, periodontal disease, and other related oral problems.
Once you recognize that stress is taking its toll on your oral health, you should begin to address it. If you are experiencing chronic jaw ache, unexplained pain in the head, sore teeth, gum bleeds or mouth ulcers, dental help is required. A dentist will evaluate the effects, administer care, and even offer various functional solutions such as mouthguards for bruxism. In addition, eliminating the stress through the use of techniques such as relaxation and exercise, meditation, or counseling provides further benefits to the oral health. It is essential to care for both your emotional health and oral health practices in order to keep a wonderful smile for a long time in Canada.
