Stressed Lately? Your Teeth Might Know
You wake up to a dull ache in your jaw or a headache that seems to be plaguing at your temple and you can’t seem to put your finger on what’s causing it. Meanwhile, life just so happens to be very busy for you. Coincidence? It might not be. Stress has a tendency to manifest itself in your mouth and jaws in ways that we might not even realize is happening
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Jaw soreness and TMJ
- and
- a sudden outbreak of sores in your mouth
are all telltale signs that stress might be affecting your dental health.
Teeth Grinding and Jaw Soreness
One of the most telltale signs of stress is teeth grinding, also called bruxism. It can be done unknowingly, primarily during deep sleep. Sometimes it can occur during the day when you’re intensely focused or stressed.
Signs you may be grinding or clenching your teeth:
- Waking up with a sore jaw
- Frequent headaches, especially near your temples
- Sensitivity in your teeth
- Worn down or flattened teeth
- A tired feeling in your jaw, particularly in the mornings
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) allows for your jaw to open and close as you talk, eat and yawn. A lot of people unknowingly clench their jaws or grind their teeth, putting a strain on the TMJ and the muscles surrounding it, causing pain or stiffness in the jaw, particularly in the mornings.
Mouth Ulcers
A number of people find that they get more mouth ulcers during periods of stress. Though there are a number of possible causes for mouth ulcers, stress is cited by many as a possible cause. Stress can also be a culprit in accidentally biting your cheek or lip, which can cause a number of sores in the mouth.
Poor Oral Hygiene
During stressful times, we tend to adopt poorer oral hygiene habits. We might skip brushing or flossing regularly, or cancel routine cleanings with your dentist.
What Can You Do
- Let your dentist know if you suspect that you may be grinding your teeth. They may be able to spot telltale signs on your teeth even if you didn’t realize you were doing it. Wearing a nightguard, if prescribed by your dentist, can prevent damage to your teeth caused by grinding.
- Stretching your jaws out or becoming more aware of clenching can help with daytime jaw tension. Maintaining good oral hygiene is always important, but especially during stressful times. It may be the last thing on your mind during busy days but skipping it can cause more problems than you may realize.
When To See Your Dentist
If you’re experiencing any prolonged pain or discomfort in your jaw, a clicking or popping noise coming from your jaw or experiencing headaches or earaches that are impacting your quality of life, you should see your dentist to see if you may have TMJ disorder.
A dentist can assess your TMJ and teeth to see if there’s an issue and can recommend a number of possible treatments, including a nightguard if they suspect you may be grinding your teeth.
Stress can manifest itself in many ways, some of which we might not be aware of. If you’re experiencing any new or uncharacteristic soreness in your jaws or teeth, it might be a good idea to get them checked out. TMJ and orofacial pain specialists at Mumtaj Dental Care can help determine what may be causing your discomfort and recommend a number of treatment options.
