Unpopular Connection Between Stress and Oral Health

Stress is a normal part of life, but too much of it can have damaging effects on your health. Studies have shown that stress can undermine your oral health in a variety of ways. It can promote inflammation, which has been linked to gum disease. Studies have also shown that stress can contribute to the growth of oral bacteria in the mouth. This can make you more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. It can also increase your risk of bad breath.

If you’re experiencing severe or prolonged levels of stress, it’s important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible. The treatment you need will depend on the type of oral health problems you are facing. For example, if tooth sensitivity is making it difficult for you to eat your favorite foods, we may recommend fluoride treatments to strengthen your tooth enamel. If your teeth are stained by years of drinking coffee and wine, we can whiten them to regain their brightness. If you suffer from teeth grinding while you sleep, we can create a custom mouth guard for you to wear at night. Using a mouth guard will help to prevent future damage to your teeth.

When you’re stressed, your body releases endorphins to help counteract that stress. Unfortunately, this can cause your jaw muscles to tense up. That tension can cause you to grind your teeth while you sleep; in turn, these grinding habits can wear down your tooth enamel. Over time, the acid in food can erode the tooth enamel, causing decay and cavities to develop. Grinding also puts pressure on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), making it painful to open your mouth or chew. This can also exacerbate existing TMJ issues.

However, it isn’t just nighttime grinding that can negatively affect your oral health when under stress. A lack of sleep can also lead to a number of oral health concerns, like increased plaque buildup, gum recession, and uneven wear on your teeth. Plus, sleep deprivation can impact your mood, making you even more stressed out! To combat this, it’s important that you get enough sleep. Try going to bed at the same time each night to make sure your body is on a schedule. Avoid caffeine in the evening hours, as well as alcohol and smoking. These can all affect your quality of sleep. Having a bedtime routine can help calm your mind and get you ready for bed. Taking a warm bath, meditating, reading a book, or listening to soothing music are all great ways to relax before bed. Another option? Talk to your dentist about ways you can protect your smile from the effects of stress. 

Reducing stress can also help you avoid developing other serious health problems. If you’re feeling stressed, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional to get the help you need to manage your anxiety and stress. That way, you can protect both your overall health and your smile. 

You can visit our office at 3550 S 5600 W #3, Salt Lake City, UT 84120, and get to know our team here. For bookings, call us at (801) 966-3166.