How Does Stress Affect Oral Health?

Stress is a normal part of everyone’s life. Sometimes, stress can be positive and motivate us to be productive. However, prolonged stress can have a negative impact on our teeth. It can lead to grinding and clenching, and these habits can permanently damage your teeth.

Stress and Your Teeth

Many people don’t realize that stress can affect oral health. Between clenching your jaw, grinding your teeth, eating sugary foods, and neglecting to brush or floss your teeth, there are several ways for stress to affect your smile! Consistent oral healthcare will help protect your mouth from the effects of stress. (Of course, don’t neglect your oral hygiene just because you’re under stress!)

Below are just a few ways that stress can cause problems in your mouth:

• Clenching your jaw can lead to temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. This disorder causes pain and tenderness in the jaw area as well as stiffness when opening the mouth. It can also make it difficult to chew food properly. If you experience these kinds of symptoms, it’s recommended to see your dentist to determine the best treatment for you.
• Grinding your teeth can be extremely harmful to your dental health. Not only can this habit lead to cracked teeth, but it can lead to headaches, neck pain, and tooth sensitivity as well. The best way to stop grinding is to see your dentist about a custom mouthguard.
• It might seem like a good idea to snack on sugary foods when you’re feeling stressed. However, this kind of behavior can severely impact the health of your smile. Eating sugar increases the amount of plaque you have in your mouth and causes tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease. Try to find healthy alternatives to sweet treats like fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and cheese.
• Not brushing your teeth regularly stresses out your gums too. When you don’t brush after meals, sugars from the food you eat remain on the surface of your teeth. This leads to bacterial growth, which can inflame the gum tissue and lead to further issues. Always brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste.

Though the link between stress and oral health is still being studied, it is important to consider the impact stress can have on your overall well-being. If you are feeling extremely stressed, consider seeking help from a mental health professional to get your needs met in a healthy manner.

When visiting your dentist to discuss your concerns regarding your oral health, communication is key. Letting your dentist know about any mental health issues you are experiencing can help them create a treatment plan that is best suited for you and your needs. You can also visit your dental office every six months to ensure that your teeth and gums are in the best possible condition.

If you want to know more, schedule a consultation with our dentist in Spanish Fork, UT, by calling us at (385) 448-1500 or book your appointment online.