Can Stress And Anxiety Affect Your Oral Health

The detrimental consequences of stress and worry on our physical and mental health have grown commonplace in today’s society. Although the negative effects of stress on our bodies are well-known, the same cannot be said for the teeth and gums. However, worrying can have negative effects on our oral health. This blog discusses the impact of stress and anxiety on your teeth. 

How do Stress and Anxiety Affect Your Oral Health?

Stress and anxiety might cause people to skip their regular dental hygiene practices. It’s easy to put off important dental care habits like daily brushing and flossing and frequent checkups with the dentist. Tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues can all be worsened by a lack of good oral hygiene practices. Protecting your oral health requires keeping up with your regular oral hygiene routine, even when stressed.

• Clenching: 

One of the most frequent stress and anxiety-related dental health problems is bruxism, sometimes known as teeth grinding or clenching. Sleep bruxism and stress bruxism are the most common forms of behavior. Grinding your teeth can cause sensitive teeth, jaw pain, migraines, and cracks or fractures due to extreme pressure and friction. High-stress individuals who experience bruxism should seek therapy, such as using a nightguard, to prevent further damage to their teeth.

• Problems in Jaw:

Tension and worry can wreak havoc on your jaw joints, making TMJ problems worse or causing them to manifest in the first place. Pain, jaw stiffness, trouble opening and closing the mouth, and clicking or popping sounds can all be symptoms of a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Teeth grinding and clenching, two common stress responses, can aggravate the temporomandibular joint’s (TMJ) pain and dysfunction. The stress in your jaw might be reduced by practicing relaxation techniques and talking to a doctor.

• Infections:

Researchers have found a possible connection between gum disease and emotional stress. The immune system’s ability to fight off infections, particularly those that cause gum disease, can be compromised by prolonged exposure to stress. Gum disease risk factors include poor oral hygiene, eating too many sugary meals and drinks, and smoking cigarettes, all of which can be exacerbated by emotional worry. Preventing gum disease requires diligent attention to both dental cleanliness and stress management.

• Dry Mouth:

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, can occur when stress and worry interfere with regular saliva production. When the mouth does not create enough saliva, dry mouth sets in. Saliva helps keep the mouth’s soft tissues supple and comfortable. Saliva plays a crucial role in dental health by neutralizing acids, removing food debris, and promoting a clean and germ-free mouth. If your saliva production is low, you may have trouble swallowing and talking, develop cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. A dry mouth can be treated by avoiding dehydration and utilizing saliva-inducing products.

• Sores:

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) and cold sores (oral herpes) can be brought on or made worse by stress. Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus, often develop on or around the lips, while canker sores are shallow, painful ulcers that form inside the mouth. Because stress suppresses the immune system, heightens susceptibility to the viruses that trigger cold sores. Keeping a healthy lifestyle and dealing with stress helps lessen the severity and frequency of these attacks.

Conclusion

Dental health is not immune to the impacts of stress and anxiety on our overall health. Teeth grinding, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, gum disease, dry mouth, a lack of proper oral hygiene, and an increased propensity to get canker sores and cold sores are ways stress can negatively affect oral health. The first step in preventing and managing oral health problems caused by stress is realizing that they can occur. 

The key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy through stressful times is practicing stress management skills, regular oral hygiene, and seeing your dentist regularly. We can ensure total health and a bright smile by paying attention to the mind and the mouth.