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Post-Traumatic Stress Linked to Tooth Erosion
Posted by: Dr. Mercola
March 21 2001 | 1,676 views

The emotional toll of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can leave sufferers prone to teeth-grinding and jaw-clenching, in turn making them vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease, dental researchers report.

Researchers found that PTSD patients showed greater erosion on the surfaces of their teeth. They also had more tooth plaque and were more likely to have the gum disease gingivitis.

Since the PTSD patients also tended to habitually grind or clench their teeth, this may explain the association between the disorder and dental problems. Previous research has suggested habitual ``grinders'' and ``clenchers'' may speed erosion of their teeth.

An estimated 5 million Americans suffer from PTSD, an anxiety disorder that can strike war veterans, survivors of accidents or natural disasters, victims of violent crime, and others who have lived through traumatic events.

According to Ciancio, people with PTSD -- and others who habitually grind or clench their teeth -- need to be vigilant about caring for their teeth.

Avoiding acidic food and brushing the teeth gently helps ward off tooth erosion, he noted.

Annual Meeting Of The American Association For Dental Research Chicago, IL March 8, 2001



Dr. Mercola's Comments:
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Grinding one's teeth is certainly not good for optimal health. However PTSD has far more serious complications to health which can be quite devastating.

This is most unfortunate, as I normally find APN to be a powerful relatively quick solution for this problem. Fortunately Dr. Klinghardt is offering his annual APN course soon, so there is still time to sign up for it.

I have also found NST and cranial osteopathy to be helpful for these problems.

Another problem with grinding one's teeth is that it will increase the rate of release of mercury if someone has any amalgam fillings, as most people have (Eur J Oral Sci 1997 Jun;105:251-7).

Related Articles:

Applied Psycho-Neurobiology

Applied Psychoneurobiology I (APN I)

Neurostructural Therapy (NST)






 
 
 
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