TTC_11_28_18_Vol.15-No.05.p1-12

November 28 - December 4, 2018 www.TheTownCommon.com Page 9
Health & Wellness
BY J. PETER ST. CLAIR, DMD
Thanksgiving has come and
gone and Christmas is right
around the corner - Are you
stressed out? This time of year
always seems more stressful,
but stress in general is hard to
avoid. We worry about school,
work, finances, illness, children,
relationships, and more. Some
even worry about how much
they worry. Not to add to your
stress, but you should be aware
that all that worrying could
have a negative impact on not
only your general health but
also your oral health.
According to an article in the
Journal of Periodontology, there
is a strong relationship between
stress and periodontal disease
(gum disease). In addition
to stress, other psychological
factors, such as anxiety,
depression, and loneliness, are
linked to an increased likelihood
of periodontal disease.
So how does stressing out
about your next car payment, for
example, lead to gum disease?
Researchers believe that the
hormone cortisol may be a factor.
Cortisol , also known as the
“stress hormone,” is secreted by
the adrenal glands and involved
in many functions, including
proper glucose metabolism,
blood pressure regulation,
insulin release for blood sugar
maintenance, immune function,
and inflammatory response.
An earlier study published
in the same journal the year
before found that increased
levels of cortisol can lead to
more destruction of the gums
and bone due to periodontal
diseases.
Behavioral factors also may
come into play. People who are
under extreme amounts of stress
or suffering from depression
may be more likely to disregard
good oral hygiene. They may
even take on new behaviors that
could negatively impact their
oral health, such as the use of
nicotine, alcohol, or drugs, all
of which can affect the teeth
and gums.
Brighter Smiles...
Your gums are not the only
victims of stress. Another oral
side effect is teeth grinding
or clenching, which often
occurs during sleep. This may
lead to headaches, earaches,
or toothaches. Facial muscles
can become sore and jaw
joints tender. Besides causing
discomfort, grinding and/or
clenching can lead to severe
tooth wear, loosening of teeth,
and cracked or fractured teeth.
It is important to find healthy
things that help relieve stress.
A regular exercise routine can
do wonders for relieving stress,
as well as having a balanced
nutritious diet and getting
enough sleep. You should be
getting 7-8 hours of good sleep
every night. If you are not
getting that amount, you are
depriving yourself of optimal
performance.
If you find it difficult to
manage your stress, you should
see your physician. You should
also make your dentist aware
of your stress level so that he/
she can determine if there are
any notable effects going on
within your masticatory system
and make recommendations to
help.
I’ll leave you this week with
a quote from A. Cornelius
Celsus’s DeMedicina. He was
a Roman author and medical
historian and wrote this about
2000 years ago.
Live in rooms full of light.
Avoid Heavy food.
Be moderate in the drinking of
wine.
Take massage, baths, exercise
and gymnastics.
Fight insomnia with gentle
rocking or the sound of running
water.
Change surroundings and take
long journeys.
Strictly avoid frightening
ideas.
Indulge in cheerful conversation
and amusements.
Listen to music.
Stress cannot be avoided,
but it can be managed and
minimized by change.
Dr. St. Clair maintains a
private dental practice in Rowley
and Newburyport dedicated to
health-centered family dentistry.
If there are certain topics you
would like to see written about
or questions you have please
The Stress Factor
email them to him at jpstclair@
stclairdmd.com. You can view
all previously written columns at
www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/
blog.
Northern Essex Fuel Corp.
Automatic Delivery
24 Hour Burner Service
(978)388-5240
$2.75
per gallon
100 gallon min
Prices subject to change.
(978)374-1540
NEUROPATHY BREAKTHROUGH!
Discover the Latest, Non-Medication Treatment Program
Relieve Chronic Pain Today
If you suffer from one or all of these symptoms:
• Numbness / burning pain
• Diabetic nerve pain
• Leg cramping
• Sharp, electric-like pain
• Pain when you stand or walk
• Difficulty sleeping
You may be a candidate for our Exclusive Neuropathy Treatment Program
used by thousands of patients across the country
For A Limited Time Only!
$49 Consult, Exam & One Treatment Session
Learn how my exclusive Neuropathy Reversal
Treatment Program can help you feel better!
Call TODAY (617) 629-2600
Flexible Treatment Programs Available!
• Some programs require as little as 8 office visits
• Little or no travel for some programs
My name is Dr. Christopher Cordima, D.C.
Since 1988, I have helped over 6,000 patients get out of
pain, stabilize their condition and regain their health.
I have created a revolutionary treatment program for
patients with Neuropathy using the most advanced non -
surgical, drug free medical technologies available toda y !
We use state-of-the-art testing and treatments that gets you out of pain faster and
helps to give you LONG LASTING RESULTS!
“My Neurologist is amazed, I had severe neuropathy and have been in the healthcare
industry for over 40 years, so I was skeptical. Now my meds have been cut, my pain is
gone and my Neurologist is amazed!” -Mickey R.
“Feeling is back without meds, I was on multiple meds, couldn’t sleep and had a pain
level of 9. Now I am at 2 and the feeling is back without meds!“ -Mary H.
Dr. Christopher Cordima, D.C.
690 Broadway
Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 629-2600
www.endneuropathytoday.com