The recent events of this past year have caused higher levels of stress than most of us have been accustomed to in quite a while. Our practice has observed an increase in cracked, more sensitive teeth, more complaints of headaches, and elevated occurrences of mouth ulcers.  Without a doubt, mental stress increases your chances of cardiovascular problems and causes undesireable weight gains due to higher levels of cortisol. Even worse, weight gains may cause one to try dangerous fad diets or even contemplate “purging” to lower calorie intake. This anxiety can lead to bigger eating disorders like bullimia or anorexia nervosa. 

Furthermore, the stress ultimately takes a toll on your appearance beyond just a bulging waistline:

• Your Skin-redness, psoraisis allow the skin to become less effective a barrier against harmful chemicals. The skin becomes more prone to dehydration and release of free radicals causing more wrinkle on the surface. The muscles of the face (from frowning,etc.) create deeper changes.
• Sleep Deprivation from worrying or depression makes you look tired ,as well as, leading to decreased heart and immune function. This is a vicious cycle that must be rectified.
• Your Smile certainly feels the effects from the weight of concerns, a depressed ego and possibly finances. Beyond the psychology, there is the physiologic clenching and grinding of the teeth which usually leads to headaches, cheek biting, and/or even worse, permanent damage to the enamel. Not only do your teeth wear down, get shorter, begin to yellow, but your bite begins to suffer. Furthermore, a bad bite starts to show up in your face because your facial muscles are stressed to compensate for your bite.

HERE’S THE GOOD NEWS!

You can do something about it!

Here’s a few suggestions from:

• Improve Yor Emotions With Motion–exercise will make you breathe more ( help you relax), lose wait, and improve your self esteem
• Laugh More–the power of laughing is magical. Don’t listen to the news–unless it’s good or you’re in it. Listen to satellite radio comedy channels in the car or watch a fun comedy. Those happy feelings conquers the anxiety and soothes alots.
• Meditate
• Renew Yor Skin—Follow Dr. Amy Wechsler’s 7 Habits of Healthy Skin to improve your appearance from the inside.
• Sleep On It–Get some great tips from Dr. Oz. Imagine dreaming more and waking up refreshed and less stressed.
• Don’t Fight Your Bite –relaxing yourself is a great start. Prevention is the best medicine. However, if there are cracks or wear and tear in your mouth , don’t wait to repair them to avoid even more costly discomfort, costs, or effects on your appearance.

I know it’s a tough world out there. But taking care of yourself and addressing the stress will help you feel and look better.  That new and improved attitude will also allow you to attract better solutions and opportunities to make your life better again.

Let us know if we can help.

Keep smiling right,

Hugh

Dental Health, Mouth Body Connection Amy Wechsler, better bites, cracked teeth, Dr. Oz, effects of stress, headaches, laughter