Few people are able to live devoid of excess stress, yet we have all come to realize in recent years how many bad effects this can have on our bodies. The heart, the head, and even the tiniest of cells within us can become ill as a result of having to handle an overload of stress. However, it isn’t just these areas of the body that are affected. The mouth is also a harbor of tension.

Canker sores are a source of mystery for the medical and dental communities. No one is entirely sure why they form. One thing does seem to be agreed upon, the more stress a person is feeling, the more likely he or she is to develop the tiny painful bumps within his or her mouth. In fact, this isn’t the only irritating sore that seems to develop from excess anxiety. It has been shown that cold sores, a contagious sore most typically found around the lips, develop or linger most often in times of increased stress.

Even jaw problems and dental-related headaches are more common when the mind and body are feeling undue pressure. This is because many individuals unconsciously grind their teeth when feeling tense. Clenching or grinding of the teeth puts a great deal of pressure on the jaw, and can cause lasting injury if done excessively. It can also lead to painful headaches. Yet those aren’t the only concerns that dentists have about teeth grinding. One must also fear the wear and tear that occurs at the surface. Teeth that are worn down, as a result of this habit, are more susceptible to decay and infection.

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