The Effects of Stress on Teeth

The holiday season can be the most stressful time of the year for many people, particularly those busy wrapping up projects before the new year at work and organizing family travel and gatherings. We all know that stress can have certain effects on our health, and take measures to relax, but did you know that stress can also be harmful for your teeth?

If you wake up and find that you have pain in your face or jaw, frequent headaches and earaches, you may be seeing the results of stress! Stress is suspected to contribute to bruxism, which is the clenching or grinding of teeth. This may not seem like a big deal, but over time it can lead to a number of other issues including Temporomandibular (TMD) disorders, increased tooth sensitivity and broken teeth. Taking care of the problem early will save you time and money at the dentist!

So, what should you do if you suspect that you are clenching or grinding your teeth? Scheduling an appointment your dentist is the first step. Our doctors can examine your teeth and determine if you have been clenching or grinding your teeth, and help you find the best solution! We can even fit you with a custom-made mouth guard to wear at night to prevent future teeth-grinding. If you have already experienced the effects of bruxism, we can help you correct the damage.

Other ways you can combat oral health problems occurring from stress are by looking for the sources. Reduce caffeine consumption, be sure you are getting adequate hours of sleep per night and remember to take time for yourself to relax this holiday season!

Drs. Sheila and Daniel Vacendak and the team at Vacendak Dentistry are here to make your dental health care a positive experience! We are conveniently located in the Greenbrier area of Chesapeake and serve patients all across Hampton Roads. Call us today at (757) 609-3510 to schedule an appointment.