Stress can affect your body in more ways than one. It can give you anxiety, promote tense muscles, and even cause headaches. Little did you know, it can also affect your smile and oral health. This is why our dentist, Dr. James Hardy, strongly recommends keeping your smile in mind this holiday season. We all know the holidays can bring joy but they can also bring stress. So, make sure to keep an eye out for any of these stress-related dental problems:
-Bruxism, which is another name for teeth grinding: When you are anxious or tense, it’s common to clench the jaw. From there, it’s easy to grind the teeth. Oftentimes, this occurs when you’re asleep. Some symptoms to look for include flat tips of teeth, worn-down tooth enamel, and even tongue hollows.
-Jaw pain: This has a lot to do with the teeth grinding habit. Like mentioned before, when you grind your teeth, you clench your jaws. The pressure in the jaw joints can cause pain. Some symptoms to look for include trouble opening the mouth or clicking in the joint.
-Canker sores: Canker sores are mouth ulcers that can form when you’re stressed. They aren’t dangerous or contagious; they’re just annoying and inconvenient.
For more information and details about how your smile can be impacted when you’re stressed in Louisburg, North Carolina, please reach out to Hardy Smiles at your earliest convenience. The more you know, the better, so please don’t be afraid to contact 919-496-3088 now!
