It’s rare not to feel stressed with today’s hectic lifestyles. Coping with too much stress can take its toll on your health and especially on your oral health. Excessive levels of stress increase the risk of mouth sores and can cause problems with teeth grinding and clenching.
Mouth Sores
Mouth sores can manifest as cold sores or mouth ulcers and may be extremely painful and debilitating. Feeling under emotional stress is one of the main causes of mouth sores.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Teeth grinding and clenching is a problem called bruxism and is linked to stress. Bruxism is often a nocturnal habit so that when you go to sleep feeling worried and stressed, you’re more likely to grind or clench your teeth. It can cause enormous damage to your teeth and your gums, and you may wake up with a sore jaw, aching teeth, or even with a headache.
If you think stress is affecting your dental health, then try to find ways to reduce your stress levels, perhaps by taking more exercise. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy and balanced diet. We can also provide practical advice on how best to cope with mouth sores and bruxism so please contact us for help.