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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
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