“A calm heart gives life to the body.” More than ever this ancient proverb proves to be true. Medical science continues to identify links between stress and disease. For instance, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology relates how anger, hostility, jealousy and other negative emotions have connections with CHD (coronary heart disease). There are hundreds of different studies that link stress to other ailments.
Hence, it makes sense that continual stressors can have a detrimental effect on your oral health. Sometimes dental conditions that seemingly have no underlying cause are the result of stress. Here are a few that we’ve come across at the offices of Dr. Parul Mehta & Associates.
Bruxism AKA Teeth Grinding
Stressful days at work, school, or within the family may be a contributor of night teeth grinding. Recognizing that you are grinding your teeth at night may be difficult because you are sleep. However, some of the symptoms include:
- Morning headaches coupled with facial pains
- Ear pains
- Tooth sensitivities
Most patients that suffer from bruxism benefit from using a mouth guard at night to prevent enamel damage and teeth fracturing. We design custom mouth guards that maximize patient comfort.
TMJ Disorders
When bruxism remains untreated, a wide variety of TMJ disorders may result. Stress-related bruxism results in overused muscles throughout the face, neck, and jaw.
Mouth Sores
High periods of stress have been known to result in stomach ulcers and ulcers within the mouth. Such sores can be very painful. Fortunately, they often dissipate after a week or so. A change in your diet, exercise, and finding ways to relax may help you to heal faster.
Are you dealing with a lot of stress? Are you seeing symptoms that are compromising your oral health? If so, give Dr. Parul Mehta & Associates a call.
Riverside Office: (951) 667-1595
Temecula Office: (951) 383-6858
.
