Can Stress Affect Oral Health in Any Way?

Stress is a normal reaction that occurs in response to any irritant or threat. It can happen at any place or at any time. While stress is not entirely bad, it is problematic when it becomes chronic. If left uncontrolled, stress can cause several health issues, including oral health issues. 

The Connection Between Stress and Oral Health

Many patients experience stress, but that doesn’t mean there’s no way to manage it. If you’re experiencing anxiety or stress due to something going on in your life, it’s important to find ways to reduce stress. Otherwise, your stress levels could negatively affect your oral health.

For example, if you are nervous about missing work because you’re dealing with an illness, you might neglect your teeth by not brushing and flossing enough. This can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, which will only raise your stress levels because you’ll have to deal with more complicated problems later on. The opposite can happen as well; if you’re stressed out all the time about work or school, your mouth might produce more saliva than normal to help regulate your body’s stress response. This extra saliva can quickly lead to dry mouth, which is just as damaging to oral health as excessive plaque buildup is.

Your mouth is a sensitive part of your body, so if you’re experiencing even a small amount of discomfort, you’re more likely to become stressed about the problem. This can result in an increase in the production of saliva, which can contribute to tooth decay if not brushed off regularly. It’s also common for sufferers to experience jaw clenching and teeth grinding when they become stressed, which can strain the joints in the jaw and cause TMJ disorder. (It’s also possible to grind your teeth while you sleep if you’ve experienced tooth damage in the past and have worn fillings or crowns.) Grinding often occurs in people who experience stress and anxiety, but it can happen even if you don’t tend to feel overly anxious. Cavities, crooked teeth, and misalignment can all make it easier to grind your teeth at night without realizing it. So if your dentist has told you that you have damage due to long-term nighttime grinding, be sure to see your doctor to discuss the possibility of anxiety treatment as well.

To treat stress-related oral conditions, our dentist at Colorado Wellness Dentistry recommends following good oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time, flossing daily, rinsing with mouthwash after meals to reduce bacteria, and staying away from acidic foods and beverages that can damage the enamel on your teeth. You may also benefit from using an oral rinse containing xylitol, which can inhibit the growth of yeast in the mouth and help to prevent cavities.

Schedule an appointment with a dentist at 9085 E Mineral Cir #220, Centennial, CO 80112 by calling us at (303) 798-1068 or filling out our online form to request an appointment time. Our dental practice is equipped with the best cosmetic dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care for patients. We look forward to meeting you soon!