You’ve probably heard statements connecting stress to heart attacks. Cause and effect in the medical world isn’t always quite that black and white. Stress levels are difficult to pin-point in a quantifiable manner. However, there is little doubt that highly stressed individuals tend to overeat, sleep poorly, drink too much alcohol, and smoke. Succumbing to these habits and behaviors will directly result in hypertension and high cholesterol which are known heart disease risk factors. Katy dentist, Dr. Colin Lathrop wants his patients to lower their stress levels for better dental and overall health.
Heart Attacks Symptoms
The symptoms of heart attacks often differ by gender. Many women report pain or discomfort in the neck, upper back, abdomen, or shoulders as well as nausea, shortness of breath, extreme and unexplained fatigue, profuse sweating, lightheadedness, and dizziness. Men tend to experience the more classic symptoms you’ve probably seen depicted on television or in the movies. Male heart attack victims often report sharp pain that radiates down the left arm, as well as crushing chest pain and sweating. No matter your gender, if you experience any of the above mentioned systems (or a cluster of several of them) you should call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Dental Health and Stress
How does stress relate to your oral health? Just as with heart attacks, stress itself won’t damage your teeth, but side effects of stress contribute to other symptoms and behaviors which can damage your teeth and gums. Teeth grinding (clinically known as bruxism) often happens to people who have trouble handling their stress levels. Chronic teeth grinders might also have difficulties with an unpleasant dental condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). If you are grinding your teeth while you sleep at night you may not realize there’s an issue until damage (chips, cracks, worn down surfaces) is obvious.
Visit your Katy, TX Dentist
Dr. Colin Lathrop is an experienced and widely respected family dentist serving patients in the 77494 area. Patients can contact Dr. Lathrop at 832-437-3849 to schedule an appointment or a consultation
