You feel stress in your neck, your shoulders, your back, and your gums. Stress is a risk factor and an indicator for periodontal disease.  It’s not all in your mind.

Reports in the Journal of Periodontology found a strong relationship between financial strain, stress, distress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and periodontal disease.

Stress makes it difficult for our bodies to fight all infections, including periodontal disease. It causes people to indulge in bad habits that lead to periodontal disease, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, eating unhealthy foods, not brushing or flossing their teeth, and avoiding dental professionals.

Deal with stress in active and practical ways (problem-focused) instead of using avoidance techniques (emotion-focused) and you will have less risk of severe periodontal disease.

It’s all connected.

Keep smiling.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
www.gotteethguide.com for your Free Tips.

Research shows that stress can make it difficult for our bodies to fight all infections, including periodontal disease and heart disease. Teeth grinding is an indication of stress.

The following techniques may help you stop grinding your teeth:

1. Find ways to reduce your stress level and relax.
2. Avoid or limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume.
3. Ask your dentist about the use of a night guard.
4. If an abnormal bite is the cause of teeth grinding, your dentist can treat the improper alignment. [Read more →]

Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) is a common condition once considered harmless, or at least annoying.

Today’s doomsday financial news is causing increased teeth grinding that can cause serious damage to your teeth, your health, and your bank accounts in the form of gum disease, bite relationships, bridges, crowns, or dentures if the case is severe enough.

Common causes of teeth grinding include:

1. Inability to deal with stress or anxiety (economic or financial).
2. Lack of sleep.
3. Anger and frustration.
4. Aggressive or hyperactive personalities
5. Alcohol and/or drug consumption. [Read more →]