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Can stress cause tooth pain?

  • Post category:Advice

Due to the fast way of life and due to the multitude of obligations, there is more and more stress in our lives. Stress can seriously impair our health and quality of life. It can also cause a lot of problems when it comes to toothache. What causes stress-induced toothache and how does it affect oral health? Can stress cause tooth pain? In this text, we bring you a couple of problems that cause stress and solutions to these problems.

How does stress affect oral health?

Due to stress, the upper teeth often spend more time in contact with the lower teeth. In a relaxed, stress-free position, there is a certain separation between the upper and lower arches, avoiding tension on the surface of the joint and teeth.

This friction and wear leads to increased tooth sensitivity, a higher likelihood of caries. And, ultimately, toothache when the dentin is exposed. Paying attention to possible manifestations of stress in your oral cavity. And regular visits to the dentist, allow us to detect the first signs of stress and prevent problems.

tooth pain

Bruxism

Stress-induced headaches are caused by unconscious clenching of the jaws and gnashing of teeth, a condition known as bruxism. Gritting your teeth very often happens when we are under stress and you can appear during the day or at night while you sleep. This can result in a number of dental problems. Bruxism can damage crowns, wear out tooth enamel and cause pain. It also causes jaw clogging, tooth sensitivity and more. It can even disrupt your sleep, which further contributes to stress levels.

Dietary problems

If you are stressed and feel tense and do not have time for healthy meals. This can lead to grabbing fast meals that are not nutritious and are often rich in sugar. And various substances harmful to teeth and gums. Eating on the run can lead to acid reflux that can damage teeth by eating enamel. And increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Dry mouth

Dry mouth, known as xerostomia, occurs when your salivary glands do not produce enough saliva. Your mouth can be dry, which makes it even harder to sleep and increases stress levels. Xerostomia can result in a response to certain medications and medical conditions. Stress, anxiety, and depression have been shown to reduce saliva production. Drinking plenty of water helps increase saliva, and non-alcoholic mouthwash can help alleviate dry mouth. Xerostomia can significantly increase the risk of caries and can cause tooth pain.

tooth pain

Stress gingivitis

This inflammatory process is accompanied by red gums, bleeding and frequent discomfort in the mouth. When gum recession occurs, dentin is exposed, increasing tooth sensitivity in affected patients. This is a very common disorder associated with stress. Starting with inflammation of the gums, which over time develops into chronic inflammation and spreads to the structures that support the tooth, leading to bone destruction.

Stress distracts you from personal health care

Stress distracts you from things that are very important. Concern for personal health, body and oral hygiene, healthy diet and everything that is important, due to stress, remains in the background. If you are too busy to perform your regular oral care routine. This can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Whether it is overeating or eating foods rich in sugar. Poor food choices and relaxing oral care routines can cause the growth of harmful bacteria and cause many problems.

Jaw pain

Disorders of the jaw joint and masticatory muscles can be the result of stress and severe bruxism if left untreated. When there is excessive wear on the joints due to the stress caused by clenching the teeth, the jaw muscles will tighten, which limits the function of your mouth. This eventually leads to pain in the teeth, ears and head.

Don’t let stress dictate your life anymore – start radiating your beautiful smile. Get rid of tension and anxiety with various exercises, activity and positive thinking. Stay hydrated, eat healthy and take care of your quality of life.