Dental Emergencies Welcome
Same-Day Denture Repairs & Relines
PPO Insurance Accepted
3930 Tanglewood Ln, Odessa, TX 79762
(432) 366-0896Cracked/Worn Teeth – Odessa, TX
Overcome Dental Damage from Stress
Although dental emergencies can occur basically at any time, the risk of experiencing one goes way up when you’re under stress. For example, we’ve noticed a dramatic increase in dental emergencies since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the virus did not cause oral health problems directly, it has undoubtedly had an effect on many smiles. Read on to learn how the Boyles General Dentistry team can help you overcome cracked/worn teeth that result from stress.
How Stress Harms Your Teeth
When your brain and body feel stress, certain physiological changes happen. Your body produces adrenaline, your heart rate increases, and you sweat more. Other reactions include grinding or clenching your teeth, sometimes when you’re asleep. Unfortunately, although tooth enamel is the strongest material in your body, it can chip or fracture when subjected to enormous biting force. During stressful times, digestion can also be disrupted, leading to more active acid reflux. These acids erode the tooth enamel and weaken teeth.
Signs Pointing to Tooth Damage
In the early stages of dental damage, you may not recognize anything out of the ordinary. If you’re not paying attention, these problems can sneak up on you. Here are some symptoms that your teeth could be damaged from stress:
- Your jaw feels sore, especially in the morning.
- You have headaches in the morning.
- Your teeth, especially those toward the back of your mouth, are more sensitive than usual.
Overlooking these symptoms is easy, but if you notice them, you should definitely tell us about your symptoms at your next routine appointment so that a more serious problem doesn’t show up later on.
Extensive damage may already be done if you experience tooth pain, a broken filling or crown, or a cracked tooth.
Treatment Options for Stress-Related Tooth Damage
Your available options will depend on how severe the damage is. For cases of increased tooth sensitivity or mild decay, we can use fillings to compensate for lost tooth enamel. Deeper cracks or fractures in the tooth may require a root canal and a dental crown. A tooth that has been completely compromised, even in the root, may need to be extracted altogether, which means we can discuss your replacement options (e.g., implants). Regardless of the situation, we’ll work with you to find the perfect solution that can help you smile with confidence again.