Are you worried that your emotional stress may be taking a toll on your teeth as it translates into physical stress? The truth is, this is absolutely a possibility and just one more reason (on a very long list of reasons) why it’s good to find a way to handle and manage any type of anxiety you experience during the day. Let’s talk about a few things you may be unintentionally doing to your smile health when you don’t find a way to curb excess stress.
#1: You Chew On Things When You Stress
Do you tend to reach for something to chew on when you’re stressing? This is a common habit. Perhaps you frequently find yourself having chewed on a nearby pen to relieve your stress or maybe you end up reaching for a crunchy snack. This is no good for your smile health, as it can lead to chips and cracks (and even bruxism).
#2: Your Stress Contributes To Your Bruxism
As mentioned, when you stress, you may end up contributing to a bruxism problem that’s just getting started or that’s already in full swing. Why is this the case? Think through the following:
- You’re over-chewing and over-working your muscles, which makes them more likely to move
- You’re physically chewing on items and you’re grinding and clenching, both of which will lead to damaged teeth
#3: Your Stress May Encourage Dry Mouth
Unfortunately, anxiety tends to cause your saliva flow to decline. This is no good for your smile health because that steady stream of saliva does a lot of good for your mouth (like killing bacteria, maintaining a neutral pH, keeping teeth clean, and protecting your breath). Manage your stress to avoid dry mouth!
Protect Your Smile By Asking About Stress Reduction
We will be happy to talk with you about how to lower your stress levels and how to protect your teeth from physical stress, too. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kalyan Nadella or Dr. Benjamin Walder, call Columbia Dental & Orthodontics in East Dallas, TX today at (214) 827-8000. We also gladly serve patients in Mesquite, Oak Cliff, Garland, and all surrounding communities.