Stress adversely affects all systems of your body, including your dental health. Surprised? Well! Read further to know how stress puts your oral health at risk:
1. Makes oral hygiene go for a toss
When you are stressed, self-care may takes a backseat. Instead, you indulge in “feel good” foods and drinks that contain sugar and caffeine. Alcohol and smoking give you a temporary high, while staining and damaging your teeth. In addition, too much stress causes fatigue; as a result, you may skip brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. The combination of an imbalanced diet and poor oral hygiene routine invites plaque build-up, cavities, and even tooth loss in the long run. It may also worsen existing oral health conditions, if any.
2. It makes your mouth dry
Decreased saliva production is another link between stress and oral health. Saliva keeps the mouth moist, removes food particles from teeth, helps fight bacteria, and remineralizes enamel. However, its reduction when stressed causes plaque build-up and increases the likelihood of developing caries, tooth decay, and gum disease. In addition, consuming alcohol and tobacco in excess because of stress is another cause of dry mouth and its symptoms.
3. Teeth grinding and clenching jaws
Many people grind their teeth or clench their jaws when anxious, distressed, or angry. Both these habits significantly damage your teeth, causing chipping, sensitivity, and pain. The constant muscle tension in the jaw may also trigger Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders. It can lead to pain and tenderness in the jaw, earaches, headaches, and facial pain. This condition may also make it difficult to chew your food correctly. If you have experienced one of these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist and get yourself examined.
4. Triggers canker sores
In addition to eating mindlessly, lack of restful sleep or sleeplessness is also a manifestation of stress. These habits may cause canker sores— mouth ulcers on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums. Stress-led smoking, drinking excessive alcohol, not sleeping properly, and eating highly acidic foods cause these painful lesions that make talking, eating, and brushing difficult. Lack of proper brushing while the canker sores heal may aggravate the oral health issues.
5. Decreases immune response
Stress increases the risk of developing or worsening gingivitis and periodontitis. It weakens your immune system and makes it difficult for your body to fight infections. In addition, stress releases cortisol, a stress hormone that starts protein production in the gums. It triggers inflammation and increases the chances of gum disease progression.
How to maintain your oral health when stressed?
Follow these tips to support stress-related mouth problems.
- Maintain overall hygiene, which will cover dental hygiene as well.
- Engage your mind and body in constructive activities like yoga, exercise, journaling, etc.
- Think of the consequences. For example, not brushing your teeth may cause dental problems, which will add to your stress.
- See a therapist.
- Go for an oral health check-up if you have already ignored your dental health because of stress.