Stress and Tooth Damage

Stress can be a major contributor to tooth damage. At Riverwalk Dental, we treat damaged teeth with everything from natural-colored fillings to replacement crowns, but the source of a patient’s stress must be addressed to ensure their long-term oral health.

One way in which stress contributes to tooth damage is by weakening the immune system. Periodontal disease is the result of bacterial infection in the gum pockets. As the gum ligaments decay, the teeth come loose, and as periodontal disease progresses, the teeth and jaw bones themselves experience decay.

Stress can also indirectly cause tooth damage by leading patients to develop a habit of clenching or grinding their jaws in their sleep (this behavior is called bruxism). The mechanical strain of doing this wears down and cracks enamel. It also pushes teeth out of place, making them difficult to brush properly and damaging the gum tissue holding them in place.

At its worst, stress can lead to the loss of whole teeth. That is unlikely to happen, but it is in patients’ best interest to get any gum inflammation under control and to seek treatment for bruxism. Our dentists at Riverwalk Dental are skilled at fighting infections and can customize night guards to protect patients from grinding their teeth.

Dr. Jared Palmer and Dr. Roger Chen operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.