It seems stress has become our ubiquitous companion, and we got so used to its consistent presence that we barely notice it. Itโs easy to overlook its harmful effects on different aspects of our lives, but then stress rears its ugly head. Your physical well-being and mental health begin to unravel, and so does your oral health. Luckily, you can alleviate the symptoms with our effective tips for stress management and dental care. Equip yourself with valuable knowledge and help your body endure the stormy period of your life.
How Stress Affects the Body and Oral Health
Though we usually perceive stress as something negative, sometimes it can lead to motivating performance and help you move mountains. Its โevil brotherโ is chronic stress, which we experience over a prolonged period of time. This stress negatively affects our health and well-being.
Chronic stress causes overexposure to the stress hormone cortisol which provokes the fight-or-flight bodyโs response and can disrupt many physical processes. The scope of this harm might spread to:ย
- digestive and immune systems;ย
- central nervous and endocrine systems;
- cardiovascular health;
- muscular system;
- reproductive system;
- dental health, and more.
In practice it means you might become prone to:
- anxiety;
- irritability;
- depression;
- insomnia;
- heart disease;ย
- high blood pressure;ย
- obesity;ย
- diabetes;
- headaches;
- dental health issues, etc.
The well-being of your smile directly depends on how diligently you are trying to implement various stress management tactics into your lifestyle.
5 ะกommon Oral Health Issues Linked to Stress
Stress causes multiple side effects, and oral health is also at risk. Here are five typical consequences after chronic stress visits:
1. Teeth Grinding
| Problem | Solution |
| Stress is a major trigger of teeth grinding: when you feel anxious, you can unconsciously clench your teeth in a stressful situation or during sleep.
Bruxism can provoke teeth chipping or wearing down, headaches, jaw pain, and tooth and gum sensitivity.ย |
While it is possible to monitor your behavior and keep your teeth from grinding when you are awake, it is problematic as you sleep. Your dentist can prescribe you a custom-fit mouthguard to wear at night. |
2. Dry Mouth
| Problem | Solution |
| Stress can diminish saliva production, which dries out oral tissues. The lack of saliva allows bacteria and food debris to flourish in the oral cavity, leading to cavities and tooth decay. |
|
3. Gum Infection
| Problem | Solution |
| Chronic stress weakens the immune system, which might cause gum disease. In the worst scenario (periodontitis), you risk losing your teeth! | Focus on extra tooth care: brush and floss regularly and donโt neglect dental visits to promote your gum health. |
4. Jaw Clenching
| Problem | Solution |
| Constant stress can cause muscle strain, pain, and discomfort in your jaws. These symptoms complicate maintaining regular oral hygiene, and many patients entirely forego it. | A personalized plastic mouthguard can help you absorb the biting force at night and prevent future damage to your teeth. To eliminate painful stiffness in your jaws, you might need to visit an emergency dental clinic in Queens or the place you reside in. |
5. Canker Sores
| Problem | Solution |
| Canker sores are small, shallow, and painful ulcers in the mouth caused by permanent stress. They can hinder eating and speaking, so itโs essential to consult with a dentist for suitable treatment options. |
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Managing Stress to Improve Oral Health
Stress management can help mitigate the harmful impact of stress on your dental health.
- Eat a nutritious, balanced diet. Enriching your everyday menu with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains promotes oral health and overall well-being.ย
- Avoid caffeine. Caffeine raises blood pressure and enhances anxiety, which can result in extra stress and make it challenging to manage.ย
- Drink enough water. Keeping yourself sufficiently hydrated enhances saliva production and encourages the removal of bacteria and food particles in the mouth.
- Exercise regularly. Physical activities cause endorphin release which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Donโt skip dental appointments. During times of high stress, we might be tempted to postpone visits to a dentist till the sky clears up. Prioritizing your oral health will help you prevent many oral issues, especially given that high stress raises the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Oral Care Tips for Individuals Under Stress
Maintain a decent oral hygiene routine to alleviate the negative impact of stress on your pearly whites:ย
- Brush your teeth daily. A combo of a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste will help dispose of plaque and prevent tooth decay.
- Floss once a day. A toothbrush canโt reach some areas between your teeth, so regular flossing is crucial.
- Rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash. It will help kill bacteria in your oral cavity and freshen your breath.
- Chew sugar-free gum. This stimulates saliva production and prevents dry mouth syndrome.
Farewell, Stress-Related Oral Health Issues!ย
Stress is a treacherous counterpart, but keeping in mind the aforementioned tips, you have an ace up your sleeve. Health-advantageous habits, thorough oral care, and a timely visit to a dentist can help you gain control over your dental health again.
