Does Your Child Have a Stressed-Out Smile?

Stress isn’t just for adults. Kids (especially today’s children) can be under a great deal of stress and tension too. Unfortunately, just as stress affects the adult body, it can also impact a child’s body. Chronic stress not only compromises your digestive health and heart health, but it can also threaten your oral health. Is your child experiencing stress-induced dental health problems?

Here are some dental issues that are associated with stress:

Canker and Cold Sores
While cold sores are the result of the herpes simplex virus, we know that they often develop during times of stress, or when the body’s immune system is weakened.

TMJ Issues
Regardless of your age, bruxism (or teeth grinding/clenching) is a common habit when you are under stress. Unfortunately, teeth grinding puts tremendous pressure on the teeth over time. Beyond enamel wear and loose teeth, pediatric patients may also experience jaw problems. When the TMJ gets strained and irritated, kids can suffer from headaches, jaw pain, ear pain and other TMD symptoms.

Gum Disease
Stress reduces the body’s ability to fight off bacteria and disease. In the mouth, this can lower your ability to fight against periodontal disease. It is important to know that children can get gum disease just like adults.

Cavities
Stress may not directly cause tooth decay, but it can certainly create an open invitation. When kids are stressed, they may consume more sugary snacks in between meals. If this is also combined with a lack of diligent oral hygiene, the teeth can get attacked with decay-causing substances.

Relax and Bring Your Child to the Dentist

If you notice signs of stress within your child’s smile, don’t panic. At Georgia Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry, we have a full menu of services to protect and restore the teeth, gums and jaw. We understand the connection between health and stress when it comes to your child’s mouth, and we are committed to doing our part to foster healthy, confident and worry-free smiles!