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An increased amount of stress in your life can lead to jaw pain, especially temporomandibular disorder. Too much of it can negatively affect your oral health and can cause a variety of other problems as well. 

Here are some ways that stress can affect your dental health:

• It can cause you to grind your teeth or clench your jaw more often. This can wear down your tooth enamel and cause cracks or chips to form on your teeth. It can also cause the enamel to wear away entirely. Over time, your body reacts to this by forming more dentin to compensate for the lost tooth enamel. This can lead to sensitive teeth and even cavities. Wear a night guard when you sleep to protect your teeth from grinding. 
• It can also cause your gums to recede from the teeth, which exposes the root of the teeth and causes them to become weaker and more susceptible to damage and decay. Gum recession can also cause the teeth to appear longer, giving your face an aged appearance.
• Stress can interfere with proper oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing. You may skip out on your daily oral care routine when you’re feeling overwhelmed with life’s stresses. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, you can develop tooth decay and other oral health issues as a result.
• It may also cause a misalignment in the bite that can make chewing difficult and painful. TMJ disorders can also be caused by stress and tension, which can lead to pain and discomfort in the mouth. This can make it difficult to eat and chew properly.
• Taking time each day to relax can help reduce the amount of stress that you’re feeling. Try to engage in calming activities or even meditate to reduce your stress levels and ease the discomfort in your smile. You can also try massage therapy to help relax the muscles in your jaw and the rest of your body. Also, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. These practices can also help with other symptoms associated with chronic stress, such as fatigue, increased blood pressure, and difficulty concentrating.
• You should also be sure to visit your dentist on a regular basis for checkups and cleanings. These appointments can help remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth so that you can avoid

To discover more about dental procedures, visit Willow Creek Family Dentistry at 2346 Mormon Trek Blvd, Suite 2600, Iowa City, IA 52246, or call our dentist in Iowa City, IA, at (319) 339-4456.