You might think of stress as something that weighs on your mind, but it can also have surprising effects on your body, including your teeth and gums. Stress-induced dental problems can develop subtly until they turn into full-blown emergencies. Whether it’s a cracked tooth or a flare-up of jaw tension, knowing what to look out for can help you address these issues before they become overwhelming.
To help you recognize the way stress might be affecting your smile, Artaza Dental’s emergency dentist in Houston has put together the following guide. If any of it sounds a little too familiar, reach out for care immediately!
1. Broken or Chipped Teeth from Grinding or Clenching
When you’re stressed, it’s not uncommon to find yourself carrying that tension in your jaw. Clenching and grinding your teeth is actually its own condition called bruxism. Over time, the constant and repeated pressure on your teeth can weaken them.
Given that your masseter muscles can exert 200 pounds of force on your molars, it’s not surprising that clenching or grinding can eventually cause chips or even severe cracks in your teeth.
Warning Signs to Look For
- Morning Jaw Soreness
- Flattened or Worn Teeth
- Unexplained Tooth Pain
- Tooth Sensitivity
Prevention Tip
A custom mouthguard created at Artaza Dental can protect your teeth from bruxism. Not only does a night guard provide a cushion between your teeth to prevent damage from grinding or clenching, but it also forces your jaw to relax, which can eliminate the behavior entirely.
If a tooth does chip or break, seek emergency dental care immediately. We can provide prompt cracked tooth repair with several treatment options. Once we’ve addressed your immediate need, we can follow up with a night guard and stress reduction tips.
2. TMJ Issues Caused by Stress
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and allows you to chew and speak comfortably. Stress can cause tension in this joint, leading to TMJ disorders (TMD).
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
- Difficulty Opening or Closing Your Mouth
- Jaw Clicking or Popping Sounds
- Headaches or Migraines
- Jaw and Ear Pain on One Side
- Tension in Your Face, Neck, or Shoulders
Prevention Tip
We offer several strategies for treating TMJ disorder. Relaxation exercises, such as gentle jaw stretches or mindful breathing, can reduce TMJ-related tension. Night guards for bruxism can also be a great tool for TMD.
Tackling this condition early is worth it in the long run. Ignoring TMJ disorders can worsen the pain and lead to other complications. You may even wind up needing our emergency dentist in Houston. If you’re experiencing jaw discomfort, don’t wait—reach out to our team for an evaluation.
3. Periodontal Disease and Poor Oral Hygiene
Stress can weaken your immune system as well as contribute to poor oral hygiene habits—a bad combination. Lack of brushing and flossing can cause plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth, setting the stage for gum disease. With your immune system lowered, your body will have a harder time fighting off the infection.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
- Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums
- Persistent Bad Breath
- Gum Recession
- Loose Teeth
- Teeth Appearing Longer
Prevention Tip
Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine, even during busy periods. Make time for professional cleanings, as they can address early gum issues before they escalate. We can also provide a dental deep cleaning, a specific procedure for battling gum disease before it can cause extensive damage.
Gum issues can be urgent in some cases, especially if you have signs of an infection like a fever or pus. You could also suffer consequences of long-term gum disease, such as tooth loss. If you suspect your periodontal health has gone past annoying and into concerning, reach out to our emergency dentist in Houston for care.
4. Tooth Pain and Sensitivity from Stress-Related Habits
You can probably spot an anxious or stressed person based on habits they develop to cope: drumming their fingers, tapping their feet, fidgeting. Some nervous habits can affect your teeth, such as chewing on pens, ice, or fingernails. These actions can damage tooth enamel and even inflame your gums, exposing sensitive tooth roots and leading to pain or discomfort.
Common Signs
- Discomfort with Hot or Cold Foods
- Tooth Sensitivity in Cold Weather
- Persistent Toothaches
Prevention Tip
Identify and replace harmful habits with healthier alternatives, like chewing sugar-free gum. Plus, sugar-free gum can actually help prevent cavities, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).
If pain persists and gets worse, contact our Houston emergency dentist. You may have a tooth fracture or other emergency that requires immediate treatment.
5. Avoidance of Care Due to Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can also cause you to avoid seeing our dentist for minor issues. If you’re already stressed out, notice a small problem, and have a fear of the dentist, you might try to ignore it because you can’t deal with the added anxiety.
Ironically, that can mean that minor dental issues—such as a small cavity or mild gum inflammation—get worse over time, leading to larger emergencies later.
Warning Signs
- Tooth Pain
- Bleeding Gums
- Temperature Sensitivity
- Discoloration
Prevention Tip
At Artaza Dental, we take pride in providing a judgment-free, compassionate environment where your comfort is our top priority. If dental anxiety has been holding you back, we’re here to help you feel at ease.
Even if you have put off care and now need urgent help, our Houston emergency dentist will never lecture you. We just want to help you get back to full health.
We’ll Take You From Stressed to Smiling
If stress has impacted your dental health, the team at Artaza Dental is here for you. Whether you need an emergency dentist in Houston or simply want to discuss how to better manage or prevent stress-related oral health issues, our team is ready to help. A healthier, worry-free smile starts here, so get started today!
