{"id":507,"date":"2024-11-21T19:07:49","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T19:07:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ismiledentalarts.com\/blog\/?p=507"},"modified":"2024-12-19T19:08:40","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T19:08:40","slug":"how-holiday-stress-can-harm-your-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ismiledentalarts.com\/blog\/how-holiday-stress-can-harm-your-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Holiday Stress Can Harm Your Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The holidays are a time for family, fun, and unfortunately sometimes it can mean a lot of stress, too. Between the busy stores, the travel, and all that cooking, it gets overwhelming. But don\u2019t let that seasonal chaos harm your oral health<\/a>. Here are a few ways stress can damage your smile, and a how to help protect your teeth and gums this winter and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you grind your teeth or clench your jaw when you\u2019re anxious or stressed? Your smile could be in danger if you do. Grinding (also known as Bruxism) can cause excessive wear on your teeth and can even cause them to chip or break under pressure. Clenching your jaw can be just as dangerous, even if your teeth don\u2019t contact each other. It can put a strain on your temporomandibular joint, causing TMJ dysfunction and pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canker Sores<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Canker sores aren\u2019t dangerous, but they can certainly be painful. They are caused by accidentally biting your cheek, brushing too harshly, and by stress. If you are noticing an increase in them this time of year, be sure to take good care of them by keeping your teeth and gums clean. They will go away on their own in about one to two weeks but can be managed with OTC pain reliever and oral numbing gel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Treat Stress-Related Oral Health Problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are suffering from holiday stress that\u2019s taking its toll on your oral health, here are a few things you can try to help alleviate some of the pain and prevent it from continuing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n