With the economic pressures of today weighing in on the shoulders of many, more and more signs of stress are continually showing up in the dentist's office. During a routine examination or cleaning, your dentist has the ability to detect oral symptoms of stress, such as Orofacial pain, bruxism, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), mouth sores and gum disease. Many people do not realize the amount of stress they put themselves under until they are sick. Regular six-month check-ups are the first line of defense for detecting stress-related disorders early on. If you are feeling stressed, tense or anxious, keep a watchful eye for signs of stress-related disorders. Canker Sores If you under a great amount of stress and notice a pain or sore inside your mouth it may be a canker sore, which is one of the most common oral conditions. These sores can be seen on the tongue, insides of the cheeks, lips and base of the gums. While canker sores have the benefit of not often being visible, they are more likely to make eating, swallowing and speaking painful. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, studies have shown that students have a high prevalence of canker sores, yet they appear less frequently during breaks and after graduation, when stress levels are considerably lower. Bruxism Bruxism, otherwise known as teeth grinding, can be caused by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, or teeth that are missing or crooked. Stress and anxiety can also be a leading cause of bruxism. Nervous tension, anger and frustration can cause people to start showing signs of bruxism without even knowing it. People who grind their teeth are not always aware that they do. It is important to know the signs and to seek treatment if you suspect you may have bruxism, which include: • Tips of the teeth appear flat. • Tooth enamel is rubbed off, causing extreme sensitivity. • Tongue indentations. Your dentist can examine your teeth in order to properly determine whether you have bruxism. If you do, your dentist will be able to suggest the best method for treatment of your symptoms. Eliminate Stressors and Maintain Your Oral Health One of the best ways to fight anxiety and stress is to remove the source, but when that is not possible you may want to seek counseling, exercise such as jogging or yoga, relaxation or meditation or even massage and physical therapy. Depending on your symptoms, your dentist or regular physician can also recommend specific treatments. If you have bruxism, your dentist may fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep and if you have TMD, your dentist may recommend adjustments, including orthodontic treatments, to correct teeth alignment that may be increasing Orofacial pain. It is highly recommended that you continue to practice good oral hygiene while stressed; otherwise it can compromise your oral health. Continue to brush twice a day, floss every day and have your gums and teeth regularly cleaned by your dentist in Grand Rapids. Everyone gets stressed, but it is important to continue to maintain your oral health while under stress.
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If you get stressed out, not only does it affect your personal and business life, but it can also affect your oral health. With pressures all around, it is more important than ever before to manage your stress in order to protect your oral and overall health. Continue reading to learn more about how your dentist can tell if you are stressed.
Dr. Lambert, cosmetic dentist in Grand Rapids, is recognized as an expert in the field of cosmetics and technology in dentistry. Offering procedures in Grand Rapids whitening, veneers and implants, Dr. Lambert firmly believes that his patients deserve gentle, state-of-the-art care from professionals who really care.
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