How Stress Affect Your Oral Health

Stress affects everyone at some point, and it’s how you handle it that matters. When we think of stress, we often only think about mental and emotional health. But did you know that your oral health can also suffer from the effects of stress? Continue reading to learn more about the relationship between stress and oral health.

Stress is the feeling you get when you feel overwhelmed by what’s going on in your life. This feeling can be caused by situations like work deadlines or money problems. It can also be caused by emotional stress, like grief from the loss of a loved one. No matter the cause, stress can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. It can even take a toll on your oral health if you don’t take steps to prevent it.

The Link Between Stress And Oral Health

Stress can affect your oral and overall health in a few ways. The first way is by causing you to grind your teeth at night. You may wake up with jaw pain, headaches, sensitive teeth, or other signs of bruxism. During the day, you may experience tension in your shoulders and neck, leading to TMJ disorder. In some cases, you may even experience dizziness.

Secondly, stress can cause people to make poor lifestyle choices. When you are stressed about your job, you may forget to get regular checkups and cleanings for your teeth and gums. This can lead to a variety of dental conditions. You may end up needing restorative treatments to repair the damage that could have been avoided with consistent dental care.

Finally, many people who struggle with stress neglect their oral hygiene habits. When you don’t brush regularly or properly floss, plaque can build up and cause tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these conditions can lead to further complications throughout your body.

In addition to these issues, poor nutrition can also result from the stress that many people experience on a daily basis. Because the body diverts resources elsewhere during times of stress, like fighting off illness, digestion is often one of the first systems to be affected. This can result in your body not receiving adequate nutrients from your diet, which can impact your smile as a result. No matter the cause of your struggle with stress, it’s important to visit the dentist regularly so that if there’s an issue, you’re aware of it as soon as possible.

Managing Stress

If you struggle with chronic stress, it’s important to take steps to improve your mental health overall. Some ways to do this include exercising regularly, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, getting enough sleep every night, practicing yoga or meditation, and eating a healthy diet.

Wearing mouthguards or other oral appliances can also help protect your teeth and gums if you clench or grind your teeth at night while you sleep. These appliances fit over the top and bottom teeth to help prevent clenching. Talk to a dentist to find out more about how you can better manage your stress levels and protect your oral health at the same time.

For personalized dental care for patients, schedule an appointment at Natural Smiles Dental Center by calling (703) 595-4405 or visiting us at 1800 Michael Faraday Dr. STE 205, Reston, VA 20190.