Stress

These are small shallow ulcers. They present inside the mouth, sometimes in pairs or in greater numbers and can make eating and talking uncomfortable.

There are two types simple canker sores and complex canker sores. The exact cause of most canker sores is unknown. It could be a problem with the immune system or due to bacteria or viruses. Stress and tissue injury are the most common causes of the simple variety. Most canker sores will disappear within 10 days. For relief, we recommend avoiding spicy foods or anything with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits and use an over-the-counter “numbing” analgesic ointment.

Complex canker sores are typically caused by an underlying health condition, such as an impaired immune system, dietary problems or gastrointestinal tract disease, such as Celiac or Crohns disease.

Also called fever blisters. These fluid filled blisters are caused by herpes simplex type 1 and are extremely contagious. They often show up on or around the lip area. Like canker sores, they often heal in a week or so. Because they are contagious we recommend you start treatment as soon as you notice one forming and delay dental treatment until they are fully healed, unless it is a dental emergency.

If you already clench your jaw or grind your teeth, stress could make the habit worse. Bruxism can be caused by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. It can also be caused by stress and anxiety. Nervous tension, anger and frustration can cause people to start showing the signs of bruxism without even knowing it. In some instances it can lead to problems with a joint located in front of your ear where the skull and lower jaw meet.

TMD refers to a group of conditions that affects the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) and the associated muscles used in moving the jaw and neck. Stress is thought to be a factor in TMD. Stressful situations can aggravate TMD by causing overuse of jaw muscles, specifically clenching or grinding teeth, as with bruxism. But even if you aren’t seeing signs of bruxism, such as flat tips of teeth or decreasing tooth enamel, you may still experience other symptoms, such as jaw joint pain or popping and clicking of the jaw. If you experience any of these, you should check with your dentist to see if TMD may be the cause.