How do stress and anxiety affect our teeth and face?

How do stress and anxiety affect our teeth and face?

This is a very stressful period we are all going through with the stress of the Corona virus, lockdown causing us to be cooped up in our houses, financial worries and fear of so many unknowns.

Here are a few things to look out for with some simple remedies:

1. You may find yourself with TMJ pain (Temperomandibular Joint). Please view the video created by Dr Roop where she sets out a few exercises to help relieve the tension in muscles which affect the TMJ.
2. TMJ problems can lead to tightness in the neck, migraine headaches, clicking jaw or limited opening of the mouth. All of these can also be relieved by carrying out Dr Roop’s exercises.
3. Anxiety can make you grind your teeth. This can result in sensitive teeth. Use a good desensitising toothpaste and mouthwash such as Sensodyne Proenamel to help relieve the symptoms.
4. Grinding the teeth (bruxism) can also result in broken teeth or fillings. Sadly during this period of Lockdown, it is difficult (impossible) to access emergency dental treatment for these problems. Massaging the muscles and trigger points as outlined in the video may help to relieve the stress and prevent big problems from happening.

Other stress relieving activities which improve your sense of well-being can holistically help reduce TMJ problems. These are activities such as yoga, practicing breathing, meditation or exercise.

If you do find yourself with any of these symptoms listed above and would like to discuss them, please do contact us. We are readily available to have a chat and discuss any issues you may have. We are also available for Zoom calls if you would like a face to face consultation.

Our patients have appreciated the healing of a listening ear.