Stress occurs in everyone’s life, whether it’s from work, personal life, or unexpected events. It’s inevitable to experience anxiety. Stress not only impacts your overall health but it can have some effect on your oral health as well. Understanding how stress can impact your oral health will allow you to take proactive measures to protect your smile and overall health.
How Stress Affects Oral Health?
When your body experiences any stress, your body releases cortisol, which is a hormone that can cause havoc throughout your body, including your oral health. Here are some of the ways stress can impact your mouth:
1. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a very common stress response. Many people will grind their teeth when they’re awake and responding to the situation or more commonly they grind their teeth in their sleep. Over long periods of time, this can lead to premature tooth wear, increased tooth sensitivity and potentially even a cracked or chipped tooth. If any of these symptoms are left untreated, teeth grinding can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, leading to further jaw pain or headaches. At Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery we have a specialist who can help alleviate your TMJ, his name is Dr. Karl Cuddy.
2. Gum Disease
Stress also weakens your immune system, which makes it hard for your body to fight off viral infections including those that could be present in your gums. When your immune system is compromised, the bacteria in your mouth will grow and this can lead to gum inflammation and eventually gum disease. The main symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen or bleeding gums. This can cause tooth loss if the gum disease is left untreated.
3. Dry Mouth
Stress can also lead to having a dry mouth. This is where your mouth cannot produce enough saliva. Saliva is very essential in your mouth, it helps neutralize the acids and bacteria in your mouth by washing away any food particles while keeping your mouth moist. Without saliva, the risk of having tooth or gum disease will increase significantly.
4. Canker Sores
Canker sores are very small, white ulcers that appear in your mouth and are very painful. Stress is a considered significant trigger for them to appear. They can flare up when your body is overly stressed and make it hard for you to complete regular tasks such as drinking water, eating food or brushing your teeth. When it’s starting to affect your daily life, it can add more stress.
5. Neglecting Oral Hygiene
When your life becomes busy and overwhelming it can be easy to forget oral hygiene habits and routines. Skipping your brushing or flossing due to stress will lead to plaque buildup, cavities and gum disease. Having stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as consuming sugary drinks, smoking etc. which can lead to further oral health problems.
Managing Stress for Better Oral Health:
It’s impossible to eliminate stress, but there are some effective strategies for managing it and minimizing the impact stress can have on your body.
- Relaxation Techniques
If you have time in your daily life, incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga will help reduce the amount of stress in your life. By doing this, you’re preventing the negative effects on your body which includes your oral health.
2. Wear a Mouthguard
If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a mouthguard to help reduce the amount of damage being done to your teeth. You can ask your dentist if they can provide a custom-fitted mouthguard that will improve the comfortability of a standard one.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth moist and reduce the risk of having a dry mouth. Water will be your best drink to stay hydrated, try avoiding excess caffeine or alcohol as this can contribute to dehydration.
4. Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling to manage your stress, seeking professional help is a great option. A therapist or counsellor can help you develop your coping strategies and for you to manage your stress effectively.
To conclude, stress is inevitable in your life, but its impact on your overall health doesn’t have to be. By understanding the connection between stress and oral health you can take proactive measures to protect your smile and your oral health. Remember a healthy mouth can contribute to a healthy body, so making stress management a priority can contribute to your well-being.
To learn about our dental services and sedation options, or to schedule an appointment with our dental care specialists in Hamilton, call Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery at 289-272-8696 or contact us here.
