According to a recent survey in the US, dentists have seen an apparent rise in stress-related oral health conditions during the pandemic.
In general, stress is perceived very differently from person to person. Not every trigger leads to the same reaction in everyone. However, the jaw and neck muscles are very susceptible to stress hormones, potentially leading to teeth grinding or teeth clenching. If the jaw muscles remain tense for a longer period, especially overnight, the high tension is relieved by grinding and pressing. In this process, enormous pressure is exerted on the teeth. The grinding movements can destroy the protective enamel, the teeth become shorter, cracks can form, and in the worst case, a tooth can break.

In today’s Videocast #18, I talk about the “Overactive Fight-or-Flight Response” related to oral health, its causes and effects and how to calm it.

Episode #18 at-a-glance:
00:50 How does the fight or flight response work?
02:15 The relationship between fight or flight and mouth breathing.
05:06 A simple technique to help you to breathe through the mouth.
06:40 Fight or flight: Do infections play a part?
08:12 How do you tell if you are a mouth breather?
12:52 Why knowing the causes of snoring is so important.

Keep Smiling,
It’s good for You!

Dr David Cowhig, the founder of the Dental Wellness clinics, is a pioneer in holistic metal free dentistry & aesthetics, providing scientific-based biological dentistry. We support you as an individual and take into account the variety of factors that can lead to dental and oral health problems. We believe passionately that creating health and beauty around us is an integral part of life and you will feel these qualities in our dental care. You can find us at The Gap in Brisbane, focussing on holistic aesthetic total metal-free dentistry.

Contact Dental Wellness on 07 3511 1399 or email reception@dentalwellness.com.au.

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