Your physical health can be impacted by stress more than you may realize. High levels of stress can cause damage to your oral health, mental stamina, sleep quality, and much more. When it comes to your teeth, stress could lead to cavities, tooth sensitivity, and worsened chronic conditions. Following proper oral hygiene is important, but limiting anxiety and worry is also important if you want to keep your teeth in the best shape possible.
Canker Sores
One of the first signs of stress-induced oral problems is canker sores. These ulcers can form inside your mouth and be uncomfortable while eating or talking, especially when eating something spicy or drinking something cold. Canker sores can become more frequent if you are unable to manage your stress. If canker sores don’t heal after a week or are becoming common, work with your dental team to find treatment options and tips for limiting stress.
Increased Risk Of Tooth Decay
Chronic stress affects our immune system, which can prevent our bodies from fighting off infections or bacteria responsible for tooth decay. Stress can be a trigger for gum disease or tooth decay, resulting in more frequent trips to your dentist. Cavities, gum irritation, and tooth decay will need to be handled quickly by a dentist to prevent entire tooth loss.
Stress can also affect our diet, which may lead to stress eating and increased sugar. If you are eating sugary foods, acidic drinks, or lacking essential vitamins and minerals, your teeth can suffer. Eating vegetables, fruits, and drinking plenty of water, even when you are stressed, will help you foster better oral health.
Development Of TMJ
Muscle tension is common when you experience anxiety, which can contribute to MJ disorders. Jaw pain, teeth grinding, or strained facial muscles can cause long-term symptoms. The tension in your jaw can come with clicking or popping sounds, difficulty chewing, and frequent headaches. Fostering time for relaxation and giving your jaw muscles a break will help you avoid pain and extensive physical therapy treatment. Working with your dentist can help you avoid TMJ or jaw tension through relaxation or medication.
Dry Mouth
The production of saliva helps to prevent your mouth from getting dry, flush out food particles, and prevent bacterial growth. Stress can impact the production of saliva, causing your tongue and teeth to feel extra dry. Our body’s natural response to stress is to focus on healing other parts of the body or keep you healthy when your diet isn’t the best. Dry mouth can lead to further oral issues down the line, such as bad breath, tooth decay, or gum disease.
Ways To Limit Stress
Finding useful ways to limit stress or relax after a stressful day can do wonders for your oral and mental health. Limiting stress can seem daunting when you don’t have the right tools. Here are some tips for helping to lower your body’s fight-or-flight response.
- Practice meditation
- Create a regular exercise routine
- Maintain a balanced diet
- Limit your caffeine and alcohol consumption
- Prioritize sleep
- Use a mouthguard while sleeping to prevent grinding
- Take PTO or a small vacation
- Try a new hobby
- Talk with a friend
- Take supplements or vitamins
Working With Your Dentist On Stress-Induced Oral Problems
If you suspect your stress is causing problems with your oral health, working with your dentist to help manage your stress or plan frequent check-ups can help prevent extreme dental deterioration. Your dentist may not be able to eliminate your stress, but they can help catch problems early, before they turn into tooth decay, leading to a root canal or extraction. Dentists with our team can help tailor a care plan specific to your unique needs and provide the most up-to-date dental techniques possible. Communicating your concerns to your dentist can help both dentists and patients stay on top of bacteria and provide insight into how to improve your oral hygiene.
Avenues Dentistry
Avenues Dentistry is proud to serve the Salt Lake City, UT, area with general dentistry, cosmetic procedures, dental implants, root canals, and more. Our team is committed to helping you love your smile and feel your best by providing fillings, implants, crowns, and smile makeovers when necessary. Our dentists work with patients of all ages, helping more people to have enhanced oral health and avoid serious health issues. Reach out to us to get a cleaning or check-up today!
