The Impact of Stress and Anxiety on Oral Health

Besides causing tooth pain, stress and anxiety can have disastrous effects on your oral health. Stress might make you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, causing unintentional damage to your teeth. Feelings of tooth pain stress anxiety might prevent you from scheduling regular dentist appointments, leaving you vulnerable to the plaque that causes cavities and gum disease. At Sunrise Dental in Peoria, we specialize in keeping dental care as stress-free and anxiety-free as possible.

Teeth Grinding and Stress

Tooth pain from anxiety and stress is usually caused by bruxism, or teeth grinding. Many people grind their teeth unconsciously from time to time while they are awake, but the majority of teeth grinding happens while you sleep. You might not be aware that the symptoms you’ve been experiencing are related to bruxism until your dentist spots the signs during an examination. Teeth grinding causes enamel damage, breakage, and even tooth loss in severe cases. 

For teeth grinding caused by stress, night guards can help. Teeth grinding guards cushion your teeth and ease the pressure on your jaw while you sleep. They protect your teeth from damage and also relieve the jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms caused by bruxism. At Sunrise Dental, we can recommend the most comfortable, most effective mouth guards and even fit you for a custom guard.

Anxiety About Dental Appointments

If you suffer from anxiety before a dental appointment, you are not alone. Many people experience fear or anxiety about visiting the dentist. Neglecting your dental health can lead to serious problems down the road, so make sure to schedule cleanings at least twice a year. Early detection of warning signs during a checkup is the best way to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis.

When we detect your cavities early, we can remove them without the drill. If things like drills and needles keep you away from the dentist, fear no more! Early detection of cavities during a regular cleaning can prevent the need for drilling altogether. Our advanced air abrasion techniques remove cavities painlessly, without any need for drills or even anesthesia.

Contact Us

Don’t let anxiety prevent you from getting the treatment you need. Our friendly dentists provide a relaxing experience unlike any dentist visit you’ve had before. If you’re experiencing tooth pain from stress or anxiety, we can help. If you are ready for an anxiety-free dental experience, call 623-487-4870 to schedule an appointment at Sunrise Dental today.

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