Don’t Let Stress Ruin Your Holidays!
December has arrived, which means the holidays are right around the corner! To those who celebrate, we understand that you are in the thick of planning your family get-togethers, special holiday events, and planning gifts for family and friends. Although the holidays are a magical time, they are also a time of high stress for many. The past few years, it seems that stress levels in December have been at an all-time high due to circumstances beyond our control. Last year, we were dealing with the height of the pandemic, and this year, shipping delays may put a damper on some gift ideas. Added stress can put a strain on your overall and oral health. Continue reading to learn about how your stress levels can impact your oral health.
One Common Sign of Stress in the Mouth
When you visit our office for a hygiene examination, we do more than just clean your teeth. We also inspect for any underlying or potential issues that can create problems in the future. Although you might not realize it, added stress can be apparent during your exam. The biggest warning sign is wear on the back teeth that is caused from grinding. Many patients who suffer from this are unaware that they grind their teeth because it typically happens during sleep. Over time, this can lead to cracked or broken teeth.
In addition to cracked or broken teeth, repeated grinding can also lead to an issue called TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder. If not treated, this condition can lead to severe issues such as frequent headaches, discomfort of the jaw and facial muscles, and lockjaw. We offer a number of solutions such as a bite guard to help with teeth grinding and TMD.
If you are located in the Houston, TX area and find yourself experiencing any unusual dental conditions or a dental emergency, we recommend calling our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Delaying needed dental care can lead to more severe problems in the future. We would hate for your dental health to impact your holiday festivities. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season!
