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Find downloadable information about common dental issues and procedures. For more information catering to your patients’ needs, visit www.KnowYourTeeth.com, the Academy of General Dentistry’s public Web site.

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    • >> Students: Hitting the Books May Hurt Your Teeth
     
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    Students: Hitting the Books May Hurt Your Teeth

    Students: Hitting the Books May Hurt Your Teeth

     

    Behavior changes induced by academic stress may cause gum inflammation, temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms and bruxism for some college students.

     

    During exam weeks, students often pull all-nighters, sleep less, increase caffeine and nicotine intake, neglect healthy eating habits and experience high stress levels, which reduces saliva flow. "The emotional and physical factors involved in studying for exams often force students to abandon their healthy oral hygiene habits," says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson J. Nick Russo, DDS, FAGD.

     

    Also, the academic pressures students place on themselves will subconsciously surface, explains Dr. Russo, who treats many students for stress-related facial pain. "Sometimes, your roommate may be the first person to identify your bruxism problem because your tooth grinding keeps them up at night."

     

    In a study investigating academic stress and its effect on gum health, participants' gums were assessed four weeks before final exams and on the last day of the exams. Researchers found 23 percent of students developed severe gingivitis (gum inflammation) in relation to at least one formerly healthy tooth throughout the examination period. Researchers also noted that within one day, students were able to remove nearly all plaque accumulated during the 21-day experiment.

     

    Luckily, cramming for exams and ignoring oral hygiene habits is not a long-term behavior. "Academic stress shouldn't take a toll on your oral health," says Dr. Russo. Find ways to relax during stressful periods and pamper your teeth after your exams, suggests Dr. Russo. Return to a normal oral hygiene regimen and schedule a dental cleaning and checkup.

     

    Is stress taking a toll on your mouth? If you have one or more of these symptoms, you may be have a temporomandibular disorder:

     

    • Sore jaw, especially in the morning
    • Clicking sound or difficulty when opening and closing mouth
    • Locked or stiff jaw when talking, eating or yawning
    • Sensitive teeth
    • Ear pain

    Updated: March 2007

     

     
    The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is a non-profit organization of more than 35,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information on dental health topics at www.agd.org/public.

    Contact: The AGD public relations department at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org.

    Note: Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.