Yes, anxiety can contribute to tooth pain through several mechanisms.
Here's a breakdown of how anxiety can lead to dental discomfort:
-
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Anxiety often leads to subconscious teeth grinding or clenching, especially during sleep. This puts immense pressure on the teeth, jaws, and surrounding muscles, resulting in:
- Tooth pain
- Headaches
- Jaw soreness
- Damage to teeth (chipping, cracking, flattening)
-
Heightened Pain Sensitivity: When you're anxious, your body's pain threshold may decrease. This means you become more sensitive to pain, making even minor dental issues feel more intense.
-
Changes in Oral pH Balance: Stress and anxiety can affect the pH balance in your mouth, potentially making it more acidic. An acidic environment promotes tooth decay and can increase tooth sensitivity, leading to pain.
-
Poor Oral Hygiene: High stress levels can lead to neglecting oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing. This neglect can result in plaque buildup, cavities, gum disease, and ultimately, tooth pain. The following list shows how anxiety can make people forget to maintain their oral hygiene:
- Lack of motivation
- Fatigue and feeling overwhelmed
- Forgetfulness
It's important to rule out underlying dental issues if you're experiencing persistent tooth pain, particularly if you're also dealing with stress or anxiety. Schedule a visit with your dentist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
