The Impact of Stress on Your Teeth and Gums
You probably already know that stress can adversely affect your mood, cardiovascular health, and digestive and immune systems, but did you know it can also impact your oral health? One survey found that 43 percent of participants experienced a stressful event related to health in the past year, while 27 percent encountered a stressful illness or disease. While occasional stress is common, too much stress in your life could have significant consequences on your oral and overall health.
How Does Stress Impact the Teeth and Gums?
Many people experience stress, but few understand its effect on their teeth and gums. Here are some of the ways that chronic stress can negatively impact your oral health:
Teeth Grinding
While teeth grinding has multiple triggers, the most common is stress. You may grind your jaw back and forth as you sleep or subconsciously during the day. Over time, this can cause wear and tear on your teeth and contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Teeth grinding can cause headaches, broken teeth, jaw pain, and tooth and gum sensitivity.
Dry Mouth
A common side effect of stress is dry mouth. When you’re overly stressed, you may find it more difficult to eat, drink, and chew. Dry mouth may be exacerbated by a decrease in saliva. Saliva is needed not only to keep the mouth moist but also to flush away bad bacteria and help demineralize damaged enamel.
Gum Disease
There is a direct connection between stress and gum disease. Chronic stress can impair the immune system, leading to inflamed gums. Infection can develop more quickly when stressed, putting you at a higher risk of tooth decay and possible loss. When stressed, you may also neglect your oral health, increasing your likelihood of developing gum disease.
Tooth Decay
While stress doesn’t directly cause tooth decay, it can increase your risk of cavities. When stressed, you’re more likely to rush through brushing and flossing, leaving plaque behind that can harden into tartar. You are also more likely to eat unhealthy foods, such as sugary snacks and beverages, which can increase your risk of tooth decay.
How to Prevent Stress from Impacting Your Oral Health
Stress is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you need to let it impact your teeth and gums. There are several ways that you can prevent stress from harming your oral health:
Maintain a Strict Oral Health Routine
No matter how you’re feeling, pay attention to the importance of good oral hygiene. Make it a priority to brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily, even if you’re stressed. If you forget to brush when stressed, set an alarm to remind you.
Find Ways to Manage Your Stress Levels
Finding ways to lower your stress levels can positively impact your oral and overall health. Consider various de-stressing methods, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Avoid triggers that cause preventable stress, and take time to improve your overall health through plenty of sleep, good nutrition, and regular exercise.
Seek Help from a Dental Professional
If your teeth and gums continue to suffer due to stress, speak with your Melbourne, Florida, dentist about your concerns. Your dentist can help you find ways to improve your oral health and reduce your risk of further health problems. Also, consider speaking with a mental health professional to manage your stress better.
Contact Artistic Touch Dentistry for an Appointment
While stress is the body’s natural response to difficult or demanding situations, too much stress can be detrimental to health. Your teeth, gums, and mouth can suffer when you don’t take the necessary steps to manage your stress, resulting in a vicious cycle that’s hard to break.
Contact our Melbourne, FL dentist at Artistic Touch Dentistry today to discuss your needs and make a plan to improve your oral health.