How to Deal with Stress-related Oral Problems During the pandemic

The year 2020 has been stressful for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Be it the healthcare workers who are fighting the disease on the frontlines or those who have not stepped out of their houses in months, stress and anxiety have affected all.

Stress has previously been associated with various health conditions including cardiovascular diseases. During this pandemic, dental surgeons from across the globe have come across many cases of pain in the jaw and cracked teeth. Stress has been one of the main reasons behind these oral problems.

Which oral problems are associated with stress?

The oral problems seen due to stress are as follows:

1. Bruxism: Also known as the grinding of teeth, it can occur both during the day or during the night.

2. Jaw pain: Stress can result in pain in the joints and muscles of the jaw, which can radiate to the ear or face. This usually occurs due to vigorous clenching or biting.

3. Gum disease: Inflammation, bleeding, itching and pain can occur in the gums due to lack of brushing and flossing. Poor hygiene can also result in tooth decay.

4. Cold sores: Stress can trigger herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), which results in cold sores.

5. Oral ulcers: Stress can result in oral ulcers which can be red in colour with a white border.

6. Lichen planus: Stress can trigger lichen planus, which is a white patch that can appear anywhere on the mucous membrane of the mouth. It can lead you to experience a burning sensation in the mouth.

How can you deal with all these stress-related oral problems?

The best person to talk to in order to deal with these oral problems is your dentist. They would be able to suggest the necessary treatment plans that you might need to undergo. Don’t hesitate to consult dental solutions at Gateway Oaks Dental in Sacramento for professional advice.

1. For a cracked tooth, you will either have to get it restored with dental cement or you may require more invasive treatment such as root canal treatment if the damage is extensive.

2. Those who grind their teeth, both while sleeping and otherwise, will require a custom-fitted night guard, which can be worn at night to prevent tooth damage caused by grinding and clenching.

3. The night guard also provides a cushioning effect thus removing stress from the muscles and joints of the mouth.

4. Your doctor may also provide you with some anti-inflammatory drugs and some pain killers to relieve the pain.

5. People with jaw pain can gently massage their aching joints or can go for physical therapy.

6. For people with excess temporomandibular joint  (the joint in front of your ear, which joins the lower jaw to the skull) pain, also called TMJ pain, the doctor may recommend transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy, where low voltage electrical current is used to provide pain relief.

7. You must avoid hard food when your jaw is aching, as it would worsen your pain.

8. Avoid consumption of tobacco and alcohol as they can cause drying of the mouth and worsen the oral symptoms.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended to provide free education about certain medical conditions and certain possible treatment. It is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis, treatment, and medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. If you believe you, your child or someone you know suffers from the conditions described herein, please see your health care provider immediately. Do not attempt to treat yourself, your child, or anyone else without proper medical supervision. You acknowledge and agree that QNewsHub is not liable for any loss or damage which may be incurred by you as a result of the information provided here, or as a result of any reliance placed by you on the completeness, accuracy or existence of any information provided herein.

Speak Your Mind

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Get in Touch

350FansLike
100FollowersFollow
281FollowersFollow
150FollowersFollow

Recommend for You

Oh hi there 👋
It’s nice to meet you.

Subscribe and receive our weekly newsletter packed with awesome articles that really matters to you!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

You might also like

Daytime Emmys 2020 to be Hosted by the Stars...

CBS’ “The Talk” is extending its relationship with the Daytime Emmys even further. “The...

10 Lesser Known Facts About Lata Mangeshkar on Her...

The Indian nightingale Lata Mangeshkar turns 91 today. The legendary singer, who has an...

Watch the ‘Farm Aid 2020 On the Road’ Livestream

Farm Aid partners Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews each performed...

Garry Marshall & Barbara Marshall: 5 Fast Facts You...

Getty SANTA MONICA, CA - JUNE 08: Producer/writer Garry Marshall (R) and wife Barbara...