Did you know that stress can impact your smile? One of the common reactions to feeling stressed is to clench our jaw or grind our teeth, often subconsciously or when sleeping. Done over a period of time, this can lead to teeth that become chipped or cracked, jaw pain, and damage to the jaw joints. We are collectively dealing with a lot of stress in our daily lives as we manage changes due to COVID, new financial strains, and even health care concerns. This can lead to dental concerns too. We are here to help.
Dr. Catanzano has advanced training in the treatment of TMJ-related disorders which can include the results of teeth grinding and jaw clenching. We have been seeing an increase in the symptoms of TMJ in recent months and can provide personalized dental care in a safe environment to meet your needs.
What are the signs of a developing dental problem due to stress?
One of the most common signs that stress is affecting your dental health is tooth sensitivity and jaw pain. These two symptoms can indicate that pressure is being placed on the teeth and the jaw muscles are tense. This new pressure can slowly damage the tooth enamel and cause the teeth to become more sensitive to temperature or to hurt. The jaw joints may also feel achy or you may be noticing that they “click” or pop when chewing. All of these symptoms can be signs that you are clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth.
Changes in the gums can also be a sign that your oral health is suffering due to stress. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can cause gum recession over time. If you have been avoiding the dentist office, your oral health can suffer. When added to stress and tension in the jaw, you may begin to see and feel changes and discomfort. We welcome you to visit with us to maintain or restore your dental health and offer a safe dental office environment that uses all required and recommended precautions to keep patients safe.
Keeping your smile feeling its best is important for many reasons. If you are concerned that you may have a dental problem due to the increased stress in your life, schedule a visit to discuss your concerns and see how our dental care services can help you to enjoy a more relaxed smile.