Tag Archives: gum disease

Does my emotional health affect my teeth?

 

We all encounter stress in our lives, and some more than others. . In addition to taking a toll on emotional wellbeing, it can impact physical health by increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease, affect sleep and memory, cause headaches, and worsen depression.

It can impact the health of your smile!!

Stress is a contributing factor to the following conditions:

Bruxism — Stress can cause us to grind our teeth at night, leading to tooth damage. If you’re diagnosed with bruxism, a night guard can be prescribed to protect your jaw.

Canker Sores — No one quite knows what exactly causes canker sores, but they are sometimes brought on by stress. Although harmless, these small sores can be painful. Some students suffer from canker sores during examination.

Dry Mouth — When the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, it can experience chronic dryness. Not only does dry mouth result from conditions caused by stress, but it is also a common side effect of drugs used to treat depression.

Burning Mouth Syndrome — Psychological problems are just one of the many factors known to cause burning mouth, which is identified by a burning sensation on the tongue, lips, gums or palate.

Lichen Planus — Lichen planus of the mouth is characterized by white lines, sores and ulcers in the oral cavity. Some experts believe lichen planus is a reaction to viral infections caused by stress.

TMJ/TMD — Stress contributes to temporomandibular joint disorders in many fashions. Trauma and tooth grinding are common causes of TMD, while emotional factors such as anxiety and depression can also trigger symptoms of TMJ.

Gum Disease — Studies have shown that long-term stress affects our immune systems, increasing our susceptibility to infections such as periodontal disease.

Other Risk Factors

  • Patients who are under stress tend to neglect their oral hygiene routines – when you have so much going on, it’s hard to remember to brush and floss.
  • Poor diet is also a result of stress — sugary and carbohydrate-laden foods that promote tooth decay might be consumed on a more frequent basis when we are busy or depressed.

Painful dental problems can also increase our levels of stress and anxiety. Furthermore, our ability to tolerate pain is compromised as our bodies struggle to adapt to stressful situations. As a result, tooth pain can become more extreme during times of stress.

Time to De-stress!

 stress free

If you’re feeling stressed, don’t forget about your dental health.

  • Take the time to focus on your oral hygiene regimen
  • Don’t use smoking or alcohol to relieve stress. These habits are highly addictive, and they have damaging effects on your oral cavity.
  • eating well
  • exercising
  • Getting plenty of sleep.
  • Seek professional help and dental clinic in Delhi NCR. See a dentist – he or she can treat dental problems caused by anxiety and offer suggestions for better dental care.

A HEALTHY SMILE PROMOTES A HEALTHY HEART!

Taking care of your teeth and gums can help reduce your risk of heart disease and other serious medical conditions!

Healthy heart clip art

  • People with gum disease are almost twice  as likely to suffer from heart disease as those without gum disease.
  • Many of the risk factors for gum disease are the same as those for heart disease and stroke: such as tobacco use, poor nutrition and diabetes.
  • Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup along and below the gum line. Bacteria from infected gums can extricate, enter the bloodstream, attach to blood vessels and increase clot formation; which in turn decreases blood flow to the heart, causing blood pressure to rise and increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Awareness of the following possible warning signs of gum disease:

  • Red, swollen or tender gums
  • Bleeding while brushing or flossing
  • Gums that pull away from the teeth
  • Loose or separating teeth
  • Persistent bad breath

For a bright, healthy smile:

  • Floss daily.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day.
  • Schedule regular dental cleanings.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three months—or sooner if the bristles become bent.

    While most people are aware that lifestyle choices such as eating right, getting enough exercise and quitting smoking can help prevent cardiovascular disease, they may not know that by just brushing and flossing their teeth each day, they might also be avoiding this potentially lethal condition.

heart and teeth

For a healthy, beating heart:

  • Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, try to quit.
  • Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
  • Control blood pressure.
  • Practice relaxation methods, such as meditation or yoga.
  • Stay active

Keys changes for patients with highest risk of infective endocarditis

Antibiotics before dental procedures are only recommended for patients with the highest risk of infective endocarditis, those who have:

  • A prosthetic heart valve or who have had a heart valve repaired with prosthetic material.
  • A history of endocarditis.(inflammation of the inner layer of the heart)
  • A heart transplant with abnormal heart valve function
  • Certain congenital heart defects

If you have a history of any cardiovascular (heart & artery) disease, it’s noteworthy to let your dental professional know as it may require them to adjust the type of treatment you are receiving. Be sure to keep them up to date with prescription or over-the-counter medicine you are taking—including any supplements, vitamins or herbal pills as your dentist might ask you to stop taking something before a specific treatment.

STAY FIT! KEEP SMILING

STAY FIT! KEEP SMILING