Science is discovering more and more how our health is a network of many systems. There are connections that people never associated until recently, and it is pushing dentistry out of the sole cosmetic view. Beyond restoration, there are serious reasons as to why keeping your mouth functioning and strong can help the rest of your body, including your heart.
We are also finding that increases to stress can lead to a decrease in both oral health and appearance. If you are suffering from anxiety or depression, this can play a part in maintaining a beautiful smile. Speak with a licensed therapist if this is an issue for you, as this problem can reach deeper into your health than you might imagine. Today, your Cerritos, CA dentist touches on just a few of the ways that increased stress can take a toll on your oral health!
Keeping Up With Self-Care
If you are struggling with any form of serious concern that occupies a significant part of your life, you may find it hard to do the little things. It may be that you do not have the drive to take care of your routine oral hygiene.
When our self-image decreases, we are less likely to do the brushing and flossing that is necessary in keeping your smile gorgeous. This can lead to tooth decay, and periodontal disease, which is an infection of the gum tissue. It can be difficult to build back up healthy habits, so attend to them as quickly as possible.
TMJ And Grinding
One of our most common sources of a physical embodiment of stress comes through jaw movement. Clenching can cause serious concerns at the location where your jaw meets the side of your head. This is a condition known as TMJ, and there are a few different ways as to how it can pose a problem for you. If you hear clicking when you chew, or have trouble opening and closing your mouth, you should speak with a trained oral health professional about it!
Bruxism refers to the act of grinding of the teeth, and it is also very dangerous to our oral health. This action can wear down our enamel, shortening our incisors and flattening our molars. This can result in an infection within the tooth that requires a root canal or even an extraction! A custom-fitted mouthguard may help to relieve this stress, creating a soft boundary between the structures of the mouth.
If you are struggling with stress, don’t let it affect your smile. Give us a call today for a consultation!
ABOUT YOUR CERRITOS, CA, ORAL SURGEON:
Dr. Shawn Hofkes and the staff at Cerritos Dental Surgery are highly qualified to address complex issues, including those that require oral surgery to correct. To schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today by calling 562-584-4082. We proudly welcome patients of all ages from Cerritos, CA, and all surrounding communities, such as Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and more.
