In recent years, researchers have offered conclusive evidence that chronic stress has damaging effects on our health. It’s becoming increasingly clear that stress impacts oral health in direct and indirect ways, too. Stress may be an unavoidable part of life, but you can definitely take steps to minimize its impact on your oral health. An important step is to visit your local dentist in Miami and get a check-up so your doctor can look for signs of stress-induced problems. But first, read on to learn about some ways chronic stress can affect your oral health and find out what you can do to manage the impact.

Direct effects of stress on oral health 

Here’s how stress can directly affect teeth and gum health: 

Gum disease 

Stress impacts your body in complex ways, affecting your immune system, your mental health, your brain functioning, and even your hormone (endocrine) system. Experts have suggested that chronic stress may decrease your immune response and cause chronic inflammation, which could damage your gums.1 Decreased immune function also means that bacteria in your mouth have a chance to grow in number, potentially leading to tooth decay, canker sores, cold sores, and gum disease.2 Lastly, stress directly impacts your blood vessels, possibly decreasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your gum tissue. 

Teeth grinding 

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching are conditions that often correlate with stress and anxiety. Teeth grinders may be wearing down their teeth at night without any awareness of their habit. Frequent grinding or jaw clenching may wear away dental enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay. Over time, patients may wear down their teeth, experience tooth fractures, and suffer from related problems like headaches and facial muscle tension.

Indirect impact of stress 

Here are some ways that stress-induced lifestyle changes and habits may affect your oral health: 

Neglected oral hygiene 

People experiencing severe psychological stress or anxiety may neglect their oral health and hygiene. This may mean not brushing or flossing as they should, as well as missing dental check-ups. Neglecting oral hygiene increases your risk of plaque build-up and tooth decay. 

Lifestyle and diet 

During stressful seasons of life, people often reach for comforting carbohydrate-rich or sugary foods and drinks, which can increase plaque accumulation on their teeth. They may also increase alcohol consumption or smoke more often, which can have damaging effects on their teeth and gum tissues.  

Stress-related habits 

Whether it’s biting and chewing on pens, fingernails, or applying tongue pressure to your teeth, stress-related habits can put your teeth and gums at risk. These habits may cause chipped or cracked teeth or dental migration, worsening gum disease. 

Tips to manage stress and protect your smile 

Stressful periods of life are inescapable, but finding the right coping mechanisms is the key to reducing the impact of stress and maintaining better oral health. 

• Seek help: People find ways to deal with life’s problems in different ways. From leaning on friends and family to seeking professional therapy or counselling, there may be steps you can take today to alleviate your burden and live a more stress-free life.  

• Focus on your oral health: If you have a tendency to neglect brushing and flossing, set daily reminders for the task twice a day. Schedule your bi-annual dental check-up well in advance and ask your dental provider to provide a reminder by texting or calling one day prior to your appointment. 

• Prioritize self-care: Try to make meditation, journaling, or deep breathing exercises a part of your daily life. Though they aren’t a cure-all for your stress, they may be able to relieve some symptoms of stress, like jaw clenching. 

• Get advice from your dentist: Be open and honest with your dentist about your situation so they can give you tailored suggestions. For example, if teeth grinding is a new problem you’re facing, they may suggest a nightguard. And for chronic stress patients or people who suffer from anxiety, your dentist may recommend Botox treatments. 

Understanding the impact of stress on your oral health is particularly important for people with existing dental reconstructions. Whether you wear dentures in Miami or have dental implants in Seattle, your stress levels may affect not just your oral health but also your existing dental work. Talk to your dentist for more insights and oral hygiene suggestions.  

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