December 2012 - Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge

We live in very demanding times, and more and more people being diagnosed with stress with recent figures suggesting it affects up to 10- of the population. Whilst there is a general awareness of the majority of symptoms of stress many people do not realise the oral health implications.

In fact there are a high number of people I see who don’t realise the extent of their teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism). Headaches can be an immediate side effect of this grinding while permanent tooth damage can be a long term one. The majority of sufferers are aged between mid-twenties to mid-forties.

Although bruxism may be the most common stress related complaint, others include;

Mouth sores and cold sores
Poor oral hygiene/unhealthy eating routines
Periodontal disease
Prolonged grinding can lead to TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) problems

What can you do?

If you are clenching or grinding we may recommend the use of a night guard which you pop in while you sleep and which will help to minimise the effects of the grinding. Underlying stress or anxiety may be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy.

If you are concerned that you have stress related bruxism, visit us for a dental health check which will include an inspection of your mouth and jaw. Please contact us in our Dublin dentist practice today at 01 668 3242.

Research carried out in the early 2000’s has suggested that people who have periodontal disease are twice as likely to also have coronary artery disease. Some of the researchers have suggested that the link between gum disease and heart disease is due to bacteria in the mouth which can cause bleeding gums, leaving a way for the bacteria to get into the blood stream.

The bacteria then produce protein which can cause platelets in the blood to stick together in the heart blood vessels, making clots more likely to form. These clots can reduce blood flow so the heart doesn’t get all the oxygen and nutrients which it needs. A heart attack could be caused if this blood flow is badly affected.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology the presence of common problems in the mouth, including gum disease (gingivitis), cavities, and missing teeth, were as good at predicting heart disease as cholesterol levels.

What can you do?

If preventing gum disease may lower your risk of developing heart disease, isn’t it worth flossing and brushing regularly? You should also visit your dentist every six months for a full dental health check and a thorough cleaning of your teeth.

Month: December 2012

Stress

What can you do?

Heart Disease

What can you do?

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