What You Need to Know About Stress and Your Oral Health
Is stress showing up in your smile? While it may not be something you've ever thought about, stress actually plays a big role in oral health. From plaque-causing bacteria to grinding that wears down tooth enamel, stress and anxiety can result in major dental problems. At Moorestown Dental Professionals, we take pride in offering whole-person dental care that takes factors like lifestyle stress into account. Let's look closely at some of the ways stress may be hurting your teeth and gums.
Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching
Also known as bruxism, grinding and clenching of the jaw can wear down teeth and cause cracks over time. Many people with bruxism also suffer from jaw pain, headaches, and facial soreness. If you're waking up with an unexplained sore jaw or sensitive teeth, there's a good chance you're actually grinding your teeth in your sleep without knowing it. Luckily, your dentist can provide you with a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth.
Gum Disease
Yes, chronic stress can actually make you more vulnerable to gum disease. It's because living with chronic stress weakens the immune system and increases inflammation. When your body can't fight simple infections that pop up in your mouth, they can develop into gum disease. Signs that stress has caused gum disease include swollen or bleeding gums, receding gums, loose teeth, and tooth loss.
Dry Mouth
Does it feel like your lips are constantly sticking together? You may have a case of dry mouth caused by chronic stress. Did you know that stress can make us breathe inefficiently? "Mouth breathing" is detrimental to oral health because it increases the risks for bacterial growth and cavities. In addition, it's a leading cause of unexplained bad breath. We need healthy amounts of saliva to neutralize the acids in our mouths that cause tooth decay.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can make it difficult to practice self-care. Unfortunately, that often means that daily brushing and flossing get neglected. Some people also skip dental cleanings when they are in "avoidance" mode. While understandable, neglecting our oral hygiene can have long-ranging consequences that lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. By staying on top of good oral hygiene, you may be able to avoid more invasive, stress-inducing procedures down the road. Here are the most important things to prioritize to preserve your oral health when stress is running high:
- Be unflinching about brushing and flossing twice daily.
- Talk to your dentist about an easy custom night guard if you're grinding your teeth.
- Sip water throughout the day to keep "cotton mouth" at bay.
- Avoid sugary, processed snacks with refined ingredients that stick to teeth.
Your local dentist at Moorestown Dental Professionals is here to help you take the right steps for preventative care. We understand that life circumstances can sometimes make it easy to get off track with oral hygiene. If you're noticing bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, or jaw pain, don't hesitate to reach out today to get the issue looked at as soon as possible. Our judgment-free, supportive dental office is here to help you keep your smile healthy through all of life's seasons.
