You are probably aware of when you’re stressed, but have you ever wondered what signs might show that your mouth is stressed?  There are some tell-tale characteristics of wear-and-tear on your teeth, jaw, and gingival tissues that could warrant attention. Your Sheridan dentist, Dr. Donald Coon, will tell you more about stress and your mouth.

The Bruxism Stops Here

The clinical name for bruxism is teeth grinding.  Teeth grinding often occurs while you sleep. You can irreparably damage your teeth with this unconscious habit. Grinding your teeth can also cause headaches, earaches, and general jaw pain. Bruxism is often linked to TMD, and the act of clenching and grinding is simply detrimental to your ability to relax and sleep well. Over-the-counter mouthguards are out there, but it’s best to consult your dentist for a customized oral appliance to stop the grind.

Cranky from Canker Sores

Canker sores pack a surprisingly powerful punch of pain. It is thought that these small mouth lesions are stress related, though some people find that canker sores are triggered by nutritional choices (such as orange juice, for example).  The small, white, raised ulcers are characterized by red around the edges. Milk of magnesia, hydrogen peroxide cut with 50% water, or various topical creams have been shown to shorten the duration or amount of pain experienced from aphthous ulcers (the medical term for canker sores).

Periodontal Disease Be Gone

Gum disease is sometimes seen in higher rates when people are stressed out. What’s the connection? It could be as simple as the fact that when you are overwhelmed, matters of keeping up with personal dental hygiene might fall by the wayside. Or maybe you fall asleep at night, exhausted and stressed, and simply miss your nightly brushing and flossing. Obviously, in a state of time limits and tension, going to the dentist might be the last thing on your mind. This means that small problems like gingivitis (early gum disease) can become big problems like periodontitis (severe gum disease).

Visit your Sheridan Dentist

Don’t let a stressful life stop you from going to for regular checkups with your Sheridan dentist. To schedule a consultation with your Sheridan dentist by contacting our 82801 dentist office at (307) 672-7567. We welcome patients from Sheridan, WY and the surrounding communities.