Holiday Stress: The Dental Connection!

With the Holiday Season in full swing, many people feel a rise in the level of stress.  Excess stress may give you a headache, stomach ache, or just a feeling of being "on edge." But did you know that too much stress could also be doing a number on your teeth, gums, and overall health.

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in stress and anxiety related to the economy.  We at Thomas Family Dentistry care about your dental health and wanted you to be aware of the possible dental side effects related to stress.  The potential fallout from stress and anxiety that can affect your oral health includes:

• Mouth sores, including canker sores and cold sores
• Clenching of teeth and teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating routines
• Periodontal (gum) disease or worsening of existing periodontal disease

So how can you prevent these oral health problems?

MOUTH SORES

Canker sores.  These are small ulcers with a white or grayish base and bordered in red that appear inside the mouth, sometimes in pairs or even in greater numbers.  Although the exact cause is not completely understood, they could be "triggered" by immune system problems, bacteria, or viruses. Experts do think that stress, fatigue and allergies, can increase the risk of getting them.  Canker sores are not contagious. Duration:  Usually 10 days.  Treatment:  Over the counter topical anesthetics; avoid spicy, hot foods or foods with a high acid content, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits.

Cold sores.  Also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simple virus and are contagious. Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that often appear on or around the lips, but can also crop up under the nose or around the chin area.  Emotional upset can trigger an outbreak.  So can fever, a sunburn, or skin abrasion.  Duration:  One week or so.  Treatment:  Over the counter remedies and prescription antiviral drugs.

TEETH GRINDING

Stress may make you clench and grind your teeth- during the day or at night, and often unconsciously.  Although adults can "grind" their teeth, many only repetitively clench their teeth during sleep.  Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism.  If you already clench or grind, stress has been shown to make the habit worse.  Grinding can lead to TMJ problems, gum recession and other periodontal problems.  Treatment:  A night guard can relieve the stressful effects upon your jaw, teeth and gums.

If you have any additional questions related to stress and your oral health, please give us a call at 918-455-0123.  Don't let this year's holidays stress you out, but remember to pause and reflect on the true meaning and spirit of the holiday season! 

God Bless,

DRT