Can your teeth really fall out due to stress?

Experts weigh in on actor Demi Moore allegedly losing front tooth cause of worrying

Stress is known to cause clumps of hair to fall out increase one’s risk of developing diseases. But few are aware of one other shocking side effect: our teeth falling out. And according to Hollywood veteran Demi Moore, that’s what happened to her, reported Daily Mail.

Moore, 54, revealed that stress can cause teeth to fall out and she experiences that first hand. The Ghost star confessed she lost her two front teeth while appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, saying that she thought it was important to share what happened to her because most people are unaware of the full toll stress can take on their body.



Although what happened to Moore is extremely rare, dentists and health experts agree that stress really can make your pearly whites come out. While on the late-night show, Moore said, “I sheared off my front teeth. I'd love to say it was skateboarding or something really kind of cool, but I think ... I think it's something that's important to share because I think literally, probably after heart disease, one of the biggest killers in in America is stress.”

She continued, “Stress sheared off my front tooth. But, in an effort to get ready for you, I wanted to make sure my teeth were in.”

Dr Matthew Messina, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association, confirmed that stress can cause teeth to fall out, but it doesn’t happen overnight. “This is not going to happen in an instant. People shouldn't think that because they're stressed it means their teeth are going to fall out immediately,” he said.

“But you have to understand and listen to what your body is telling you. If people's gums are bleeding, they grind their teeth or if their teeth hurt when they wake up in the morning, they need to listen to that.”



Dr Messina said the number one cause for tooth loss in adults is periodontal disease, which studies have linked to stress. A comprehensive review in 2007 found a strong relationship between the two, with a majority of studies confirming it.

Author Dr Daiane Peruzzo said, “More research is needed to determine the definitive relationship between stress and periodontal diseases. However, patients who minimise stress may be at less risk for periodontal diseases.”

Dr Messina added that clenching and grinding teeth, which stems from stress, can play a role in tooth loss. He encourages people to see their dentist if they are concerned about oral health.

Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below.