The Stress Connection
HOW STRESS CAN IMPACT THE HEALTH OF YOUR TEETH
Stress can affect you in many different, recognizable ways, but it can also take a toll without you realizing it. For example, did you know that stress can affect your teeth?
If you are dealing with tension in your neck, shoulders, and jaw, there are initial steps you can take to ease that tension. Here are two examples.
Jaw Exercise: Open your mouth as wide as you can without causing any discomfort. With your mouth open, touch the tip of your tongue to the back of your front upper teeth. Hold for five seconds and repeat several times. Neck Massage: Request a massage specifically for your neck and shoulders from a massage therapist. This will help you ease your stress overall while also loosening the muscles that cause your jaw to tighten, leading to clenching or grinding. If these steps do not work — or you find the aches or pains in your jaw and neck difficult to manage — let us know. We can help you determine the next steps you can take to reduce discomfort, keep your teeth healthy, and restore your peace of mind.
When you experience stress, the muscles in your head, neck, and jaw tense up, leading to clenching or teeth grinding, otherwise known as bruxism.
In many cases, bruxism occurs without you realizing it. While most instances of bruxism occur during sleep, you may also clench your jaw during the day, such as when you’re working, running errands, or doing other daily activities. The more stressed you are, the more likely this is to occur. Symptoms of bruxism manifest in several ways. You may wake up with a headache or with tension in your neck, shoulders, jaw, or all of the above. You may also experience discomfort in your teeth, particularly if you are grinding. Over time, this will wear down your enamel, which can lead to tooth sensitivity if not addressed as soon as possible.
Leah’s Bad Dad Joke of the Month
Zesty Orange Cranberry Sauce Skip the can-shaped cranberry sauce this year and bring a jar of homemade sauce to Thanksgiving instead. This easy recipe can be made ahead of the big event and keeps for 10 days in the fridge.
Ingredients •
Directions 1. In a medium saucepan, heat the orange juice, water, and sugar to a boil. Add other ingredients, then bring mixture back to boiling. 2. Reduce the heat to medium and cook gently for 10–12 minutes, until the cranberries burst. 3. Transfer the sauce to a bowl or jar, cover, and refrigerate until serving.
1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
• • • • •
1/2 cup water
What do Thanksgiving and Halloween have in common? Gobble-ins!
3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar 12 oz fresh cranberries
2 tsp orange zest
Salt to taste
If you would like your favorite joke featured, email Office@ExceptionalSmiles.com . You may see it in our next issue!
Inspired by OnceUponAChef.com
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