How Stress May Affect Your Smile
Here's What Stress Really Does to Your Oral Health
Is stress dimming the light from your smile? While most of us know by now that stress is bad for everything from mental health to cardiovascular health, some might be surprised to learn that stress can also take a toll on oral health. At Lakeview Dental Care, our commitment to whole-person care and wellness inspires us to expand awareness about the link between stress and your smile. Here's what you need to know about how stress may be doing a number on your teeth and gums.
Are You Grinding Your Teeth or Clenching Your Jaw?
Also referred to as bruxism, chronic teeth grinding and jaw clenching can lead to serious long-term consequences for oral health. Bruxism is often a subconscious reaction to stress. That means we don't even know that we're doing it nearly 24-hours a day during our waking and sleeping hours. Unfortunately, bruxism puts you at risk for:
- Worn, weak teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Jaw pain
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Headaches
- Facial soreness
How do you know if you have bruxism? Most people suffering from bruxism grind their teeth all night without even realizing what they're doing. The most common sign is waking up with a sore jaw or sensitive teeth.
Gum Disease
Chronic stress leads to inflammation throughout the body. Yes, that includes your gums. The weakening of the immune system that occurs with chronic stress also makes it harder for your body to fight mouth infections. As a result, this increases your risks for gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease). It may be time to address chronic stress if you're noticing unexplained swollen gums, bleeding gums, gum recession, or tooth loosening and loss.
Cotton Mouth
Does it feel like the cat's got your tongue whenever you go to speak or clear your throat? Stress and anxiety are linked to chronic dry mouth. Additionally, "mouth breathing," due to stress-related breath patterns, can also dry out your mouth. Even some medications can cause dry mouth.
We need saliva to neutralize acids in our mouth. A dry mouth is bad because it allows "bad" bacteria to thrive, resulting in things like bad breath and cavities.
Poor Oral Hygiene
When we're stressed to the brink, keeping up with our daily oral care routine suddenly feels less important. That's why many people begin to skip daily brushing and flossing or avoid dental appointments when they feel stressed. Unfortunately, letting these small habits slip can lead to major plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease much sooner than you realize. Here are some tips for prioritizing oral health during stressful times:
- Commit to daily brushing and flossing as part of a self-care routine.
- If you're prone to dry mouth, keep up saliva production by staying hydrated.
- Talk to your dentist about a custom night guard to reduce the impact of grinding.
- If you're struggling to brush as often as you'd like, limit sugary, processed foods that create plaque on your teeth.
Of course, your dentist is here to help you manage your oral health through all seasons of life. At Lakeview Dental Care, we understand that consistent habits sometimes get away from us in the shuffle of life. We urge you to come in for a visit if you've noticed bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, a sore jaw, or other signs that stress may be taking a toll on your oral health. Call today for an appointment!
