Named an unexpected consequence of stress

Chronic stress can harm dental health and lead to various pathologies, warned orthodontist Pavel Kolesov. He revealed this unexpected consequence of emotional overload in an exclusive interview with "Gazeta.Ru".

The doctor explained in detail the mechanism of stress's destructive impact on teeth. In stressful situations, the body produces elevated levels of adrenaline. Excess of this hormone not only stimulates nerve endings but also has a trophic effect on the masticatory muscles. "At this moment, teeth receive excessive load, which leads to the appearance of microcracks and chips in the tooth enamel," Kolesov emphasized.

The danger is compounded by the fact that adrenaline causes spasm of peripheral blood vessels, disrupting the normal nutrition of pulp tissues and the oral mucosa. Simultaneously, saliva production significantly decreases. The specialist emphasized the critical role of saliva in protecting tooth enamel from acids and bacteria, making it particularly vulnerable during periods of stress.

Kolesov also identified a troubling connection between an overloaded nervous system and sleep disorders, leading to bruxism - involuntary teeth grinding during sleep. "Bruxism contributes to the erosion of tooth enamel, exposing the dentin, puts excessive strain on periodontal tissues, and can even lead to tooth fracture," the dentist cautioned.

In conclusion, the doctor noted another negative aspect: while in a state of chronic stress, people often neglect regular oral hygiene and postpone visits to the dentist, which only exacerbates the problem.