We all know stress can affect our mental and physical health, but what about our teeth? It’s not something most people think about, but stress can quietly wreak havoc on your oral health, leading to some serious dental issues. Let’s dive into the less obvious ways stress can mess with your mouth—and what you can do to prevent it.
One of the first things that can happen when you’re stressed is teeth grinding, or bruxism. You may not even realize it, but many people grind their teeth while they sleep or clench their jaws during the day. Over time, this can wear down your enamel, chip your teeth, and cause jaw pain. If your jaw feels sore when you wake up or you experience frequent headaches, stress might be the culprit.
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