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Stress affects not only our mental health but also our physical health. This includes our dental health as well. In this article, we will take a closer look at how stress can impact dental health.
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Gingivitis
Teeth grinding, tooth wear, and jaw musculature
Unfortunate food choices
Stress can trigger complex reactions in the body, including the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones affect the immune system and can, over time, lead to a weakened immune response. This can influence inflammatory conditions in the body, including in the mouth. This may manifest as red, swollen, bleeding, and tender gums. Read more about gum disease here. Stress can also be a triggering factor for sores in the mouth and canker sores. Read more about cold sores here.
Stress can affect our saliva production and make us feel drier in the mouth. The sensation of dry mouth is not dangerous in itself, but it can lead to varying degrees of discomfort. Severely dry patients may have trouble chewing and swallowing food, as well as an increased risk of cavities and other dental problems. Periodic dry mouth related to stress can occur, but it is more common for there to be underlying causes at play. Many medications have dry mouth as a side effect. You can discuss this with both your doctor and dentist. If you are significantly troubled by dry mouth, we recommend contacting your dentist so they can help you manage it. Read more about dry mouth here.
Stress or increased internal tension can lead to or worsen issues in the jaw and chewing muscles. This may involve pain and stiffness, which often progress to headaches, lockjaw, clicking sounds, and problems with opening and closing the mouth normally. Some people clench their teeth tightly, while others grind them, and both behaviors can cause various forms of wear and tear on the teeth. Some individuals tense up during the day, but for many, this primarily occurs at night when they are less aware of their actions.
If you struggle with discomfort in your chewing muscles and jaw joints, your dentist can assess the extent and causes of these issues. Muscle exercises and awareness of what triggers the discomfort are essential parts of the treatment. Cognitive therapy and attempts to reduce your stress levels through relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or mindfulness can help lower the overall stress in your body.
If you do not see improvement with initial treatments, a stabilization splint or bite guard may be a solution. It is most commonly used at night. The bite guard can help relax the muscles, thus reducing discomfort in the jaw and chewing muscles. Additionally, the bite guard protects the teeth from increased wear. Before a bite guard can be made for you, a regular dental examination of your oral health is required, along with an OPG (panoramic X-ray) to identify any other treatment needs.
Stress can easily affect our habits and lead us to make poorer choices regarding our diet. Many people turn to sugary foods and snacks during stressful periods. Read more about how your diet can affect your oral health here.
Stress can result in the neglect of good routines, including everyday dental care habits and dental appointments. Over time, this can naturally weaken dental health and lead to issues such as cavities, acid damage, and gum disease.
Mental and physical health are closely interconnected, and it’s important to be aware of how stress and psychological pressures can affect our health, including oral health. During tough periods in life, it is crucial to maintain good dental hygiene routines at home and to continue visiting the dentist regularly. If you experience issues such as gum disease or teeth grinding, we recommend consulting your dentist to evaluate a potential treatment plan.