How Stress Affect Oral Health?

Stress can be triggered by various factors, including work, school, and personal relationships. High levels of stress can affect the entire body, including the mouth. This can have an effect on overall health if the mouth becomes chronically inflamed. Managing stress is important for both oral and overall good health.

Stress can cause a person to grind their teeth or clench their jaw. This can put significant pressure on the teeth and lead to damage over time. Teeth grinding can also wear down tooth enamel and cause sensitivity. Clenching the jaw can lead to TMJ disorder, which affects the temporomandibular joint. There are several reasons why people clench their jaw when they are stressed, such as depression, anxiety, and frustration. Some people who have bruxism will grind their teeth while they are asleep and not even realize they are doing it. This can lead to chronic headaches, jaw pain, and other issues that make it difficult to sleep or concentrate during the day. Dental issues associated with chronic stress can include bad breath, bleeding gums, plaque buildup, cavities, gum recession, loose teeth, sensitive teeth, gum disease, tooth loss, receding gums, and even oral cancer. Stress also seems to exacerbate dry mouth – a condition that can also contribute to tooth decay and bad breath. If you suffer from stress-induced dry mouth, your dentist can recommend treatments that can reduce symptoms.

To avoid the effects of stress on your oral health, try to practice good oral hygiene habits, like brushing at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, which can cause tooth decay when consumed in excess. Reducing stress and finding healthy ways to cope with it can help with your overall health as well. Talk with your doctor about other ways to manage stress, or talk to a therapist if you are having trouble dealing with your stress levels.

Another way to prevent oral health problems from developing due to stress is to visit the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. This will help to keep your mouth as healthy as possible and prevent any issues from forming in the future.

If you are looking for the best dentist who can treat your oral issues, visit ALLURE DENTAL at 8170 Maple Lawn Blvd, Suite 150, Fulton, MD 20759. Call us at (240) 456-0717 to book an appointment.