The Connection Between Stress and Your Smile: Protect Your Teeth with M Dental Greenwich

Most of us know stress can lead to headaches or sleepless nights. It is our body’s way of warning us. But did you know that stress can also affect your teeth and your gums?

At M Dental Greenwich, we regularly see patients whose oral health has been quietly suffering under the pressure of modern life. It isn’t until someone points this out, references it or they see signs of the damage stress is causing. Your oral health is connected to your emotions. But what does this look like?

Stress and Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

One of the most common reactions, where stress presents itself in your oral health, can be teeth grinding. When we’re anxious or tense, it’s common to clench or grind our teeth, sometimes without even realising we are doing it. This can be detrimental to your oral health and over time it can lead to problems such as:

• Worn or flattened surfaces on your teeth 

• Cracked or chipped teeth 

• Jaw or facial pain 

• Morning headaches 

• Clicking and tightness of the jaw joint (known as TMJ)

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms our team here at M Dental Greenwich can help and we recommend you book a consultation. At that consultation our team will assess you for signs of bruxism. If bruxism is the cause you will be pleased to know you have options. These include a custom nightguard, exploring correcting bite alignment issues, stress relief techniques and injections. The exact treatment will very much depend on the issue you are experiencing. 

Stress and Gum Health

Stress affects the immune system and in turn can make it harder for your body to fight off bacteria. That means if you are under constant stress it can cause a higher risk to your health generally. This blog centres on oral health but there are of course higher risks to your general health caused by stress. When it comes to oral health this can present as:

• Gum inflammation (also known as gingivitis)

• Gum recession 

• Delayed healing after dental treatment 

We therefore recommend having regular check-ups and hygiene appointments. Our M Dental Greenwich experts can help detect early signs of gum disease. They can also help keep your mouth healthy with techniques and regular professional cleaning, helping to maintain good oral health even when life is hectic. 

Stress-Related Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is more common than you might think. Cortisol and adrenaline, the body’s stress hormones both can reduce the flow of saliva. But why does that matter? A dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable it can also increase the risk of oral health problems such as:

• Tooth decay

• Bad breath 

• Difficulty eating and speaking. 

  
  

But there isn’t any need to panic. With a little work there are treatments and techniques available to help reduce the same. Here at M Dental Greenwich we can help identify the cause and recommend a plan of action to keep your mouth hydrated. These simple steps can be provided during a routine check-up and are easy to work into your day-to-day life. 

Mind, Body and Mouth

We’ve all heard of mind, body and soul, but what about your mouth! The relationship between stress and oral health goes both ways. If you’re embarrassed about your teeth or struggling with pain, that stress can feed back into your overall wellbeing.

Here at M Dental Greenwich our philosophy is to include holistic options. We don’t just want to treat the way the symptoms present themselves. We care about your smile as well as the person behind it. That means we will work with you to add both the physical and emotional aspects of dental health. This in turn helps you restore balance and achieve the confidence you deserve. 

How M Dental Greenwich Can Help

Our friendly, supportive team offers a range of treatments to repair damage caused by stress, as well as guiding you through ways to manage stress and reduce the impact on your oral health. But in terms of physical signs of stress on your oral health these can be fixed with:

• Cosmetic bonding or veneers for chipped teeth 

• Crowns or onlays for worn surfaces 

• Nightguards or injections for teeth grinding 

• Hygiene therapy for gum health 

We will also advise on some relaxation and preventative care advice to help you keep your oral health in check. 

Smile, Breathe, Restore

If life has been stressful lately and your teeth are starting to show it, you’re not alone and we can help. Let us take care of your smile and your overall oral health by booking a consultation at M Dental Greenwich today. Our practices are serene and inviting and you’ll be greeted by friendly team members who will make you feel at home. So why not book your stress free appointment today via our website!