Today, because of the fast pace of life, most people tend to be stressed by different situations. Stress itself isn’t bad in small doses. But if you have extreme stress for a prolonged period, the negative impacts can be seen in many areas, including oral health.
While we all might have our own way of dealing with stress, our immune system is weakened, and this triggers the brain to seek unhealthy habits such as comfort food, smoking, or taking alcohol. These habits can take a toll on your teeth. In this article, we discuss seven reasons why stress can affect your dental health.
- Teeth Grinding
One of the most common is teeth grinding. Teeth grinding is when you clench and unclench your teeth repeatedly, usually in response to certain feelings, such as stress or boredom. This can damage your teeth’ enamel and dentin, the two hard outer layers. It can also lead to tooth loss if not addressed.
If you are stressed before going to sleep, you might wake up with some headaches. This indicates that you might have been grinding your teeth during sleep. The best way to deal with this situation is to visit your dentist for custom-made mouth guards.
- Decreased Immune System
Stress can have a negative effect on your immune system, making you more prone to dental disease. When your immune system is compromised, you are more likely to contract infections and develop dental problems. Studies have shown that people who are under a lot of stress have a decreased ability to fight off bacteria and viruses, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral health issues.
- Dry Mouth
A dry mouth is one of the most common side effects of stress. It can affect your ability to drink water, eat food and chew properly. A dry mouth can also lead to a decreased sense of taste and a decrease in saliva production.
Saliva helps keep the teeth moist, helps fight bacteria, and demineralize the enamel. If you suffer from reduced saliva production, it means that bacteria will have a good environment for their action. This can lead to cavities, tooth decay or gum disease.
The best way to avoid dry mouth is to hydrate yourself regularly and practice good oral hygiene. If you experience dry mouth frequently, talk to your dentist about options for treatment.
- Poor diet/nutrition
Stress can cause a lack of vital nutrients, which will make you weaker and more prone to illness. Proper diet and nutrition are essential for good health as they help maintain a healthy gut microbiome balance, which can support your immune system and affect bone homeostasis. Vitamin D is also crucial for all three of these factors: it prevents gum disease, is necessary to have an effective immune system, and helps with the repair of bones.
- Mouth sores
Emotional stress can cause mouth sores. In most cases, medication is not necessary for mouth sources since they disappear after a few days. However, dentists might recommend taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen if the pain is causing significant discomfort.
- Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene habits are one of the most insidious ways that stress can affect your dental health. While it may not seem like a significant issue, neglecting to clean your teeth and gums regularly can lead to bad plaque buildup, which can cause tooth decay and other oral health problems. Plus, if you’re constantly dealing with an unhappy smile due to bad dental hygiene, you may suffer from feelings of stress and frustration that can only lead to bad dental habits.
You can do a few things to promote good oral hygiene habits regardless of your level of stress: brush and floss regularly, avoid eating sugary foods and drinks, and see your dentist regularly for cleanings check-ups. If you find yourself struggling to maintain good dental hygiene due to stress, be sure to speak with your dentist about what steps can be taken to improve your oral health condition.
- Missing regular dental appointments
One of the primary reasons that stress can affect your dental health is that it can lead to missed regular dental appointments. Regular dental check-ups are an important part of managing your oral health. They will help identify potential problems early and provide you with the information you need to maintain good dental hygiene on your own. You can ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy and strong by scheduling regular check-ups and repairs.
Bottom Line
If you’re struggling with stress, you can do a few things to help improve your dental health. First, try to relax and get some sleep. This will help reduce the stress hormones in your system and improve your overall health overall. Additionally, eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water to ensure you’re getting all of the nutrients your body needs.
Finally, take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist if you experience any signs of tooth decay or other dental problems. Visit us at Carrum Downs Dental Clinic, and our dentist will walk you through the journey of maintaining proper oral care despite your stressful situation.