In fact, dental clinics are increasingly seeing young patients who grind their teeth, have inflamed gums for no apparent reason, or experience muscle pain that doesn't respond to conventional treatments. In many of these cases, the cause isn't infection or poor hygiene, but rather that invisible, everyday enemy: stress.

This is confirmed by Dr. Almudena Herraiz, dentist and orthodontist at the Herraiz Orthodontics Clinic, who warns that “stress can affect the mouth in many ways, and not only through bruxism—the unconscious habit of clenching or grinding teeth, both day and night—which is the most well-known manifestation.” According to the specialist, this sustained tension “can alter local immunity, cause canker sores, delay healing, and even generate pain or sensitivity without an apparent cause.”

“When a person lives in a state of constant stress, the body produces more cortisol, a hormone that, in excess, weakens the immune system and alters the oral flora. This can result in recurrent canker sores, swollen gums, bleeding, delayed healing after extractions or implants, and even neuralgia or pain with no apparent cause,” explains the specialist.

Bruxism has become a silent epidemic. It causes jaw pain, neck stiffness, joint locking, clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth, and fractures in fillings, crowns, or veneers. According to Herraiz, more and more young patients, especially millennials and professionals between 25 and 40 years old, are showing signs of tooth wear or extreme sensitivity.

“These are people who live connected lives, with fast-paced rhythms and little rest. Many are unaware that they clench their teeth until they feel pain or notice their teeth appear smaller. Sometimes, the first warning is aesthetic, but there is often a significant inflammatory or muscular process behind it.”.

Dentists recommend scheduling a checkup for any sensation of pressure in the molars or premolars, stiffness upon waking, or diffuse pain in the jaw, neck, or temples. “These discomforts aren't always related to cavities or wisdom teeth: often they are muscle contractions resulting from stress,” Herraiz points out. Detecting them early can prevent major cracks or fractures, chronic muscle contractions, or even problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

From a preventative standpoint, the approach involves not only reducing stress but also correcting daily habits that increase jaw tension. Dr. Herraiz recommends:

• Get enough sleep and avoid pressing your chin against your hand or resting your face on your chin while working or studying, as this pressure directly impacts the joint.
• Maintaining a correct cervical posture to reduce muscle strain on the jaw.
• Limit the consumption of chewing gum or very hard foods, which overload the chewing muscles.
• And, above all, go to the dentist at the first signs of overload or wear, before fractures or more severe symptoms appear.

“The mouth is a mirror of what’s happening in the body,” the doctor summarizes. “Just as stress can manifest as hair loss or muscle tension, it can also manifest as lesions in the mucous membranes, bruxism, or tooth sensitivity. Learning to listen to these signs is key to taking care of our overall health,” she concludes.

Source: https://www.eldentistamoderno.com/texto-diario/mostrar/5674133/como-estres-puede-afectar-salud-bucodental