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7 Ways Stress Influences Your Oral Health

Updated: Aug 7, 2023


We all react differently to the lifestyle stressors like the rising cost of living, chronic health concerns or work related issues. Not only is our immune system weakened due to stress, but it can also trigger our brain to crave comfort foods or engage in unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption.


These detrimental behaviours can put our oral health at risk.

Even during periods of stress, it is crucial to maintain regular dental visits every six months. This allows your dentist to identify any indications of stress on your oral health, including:


1. Oral Hygiene Neglect

When stressed, people may prioritize indulging in foods high in carbs, sugar, and caffeine to boost their mood, while neglecting proper oral hygiene practices. This can lead to the accumulation of plaque, cavities, and even tooth loss due to an imbalanced diet and lack of attention to oral hygiene routines.

2. Dry Mouth Saliva plays a crucial role in removing food particles from teeth, keeping them moist, remineralizing enamel, and fighting bacteria. However, stress can lead to reduced saliva production, resulting in more plaque buildup and a higher risk of dental problems. Additionally, the overuse of alcohol and tobacco can also cause dry mouth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

3. Jaw Clenching A common effect of chronic stress on oral health is jaw clenching, which can result in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). While muscle tension is a natural response that helps protect the body from pain and injury, constant tension in the jaw from stress can lead to TMJ, causing pain in the jaw area and around the ears. Symptoms of TMJ may include difficulty opening the mouth or chewing food, as well as a clicking sound when moving the jaw.

4. Teeth Grinding Stress and anxiety can also lead to teeth grinding or bruxism, which is a common habit that many people may be unaware of, especially when it occurs during sleep. Teeth grinding can cause significant wear and tear on the teeth, resulting in issues such as chipped or loose teeth, tooth sensitivity, tongue indentations, and pain in the temples.

5. Weakened Immune Response Stress can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight infections. The high levels of the stress hormone cortisol can trigger protein production in the gums, leading to inflammation and an increased risk of developing gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

6. Cold Sores Another effect of stress on oral health is the development of cold sore blisters. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are typically inactive until triggered by stress. While these sores typically appear on the lips or corners of the mouth, they can also manifest on the gums, making it difficult to brush and floss properly.

Cold sores can last for up to a week, and refraining from brushing during this time can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, managing stress levels is crucial to prevent the activation of the herpes simplex virus and the development of cold sore blisters.

7. Canker Sores Stress can also trigger the development of canker sores, which are mouth ulcers that occur inside the mouth. While canker sores can also be caused by overzealous toothbrushing, biting the inside of the cheek, eating highly acidic foods, and smoking, stress can also be a contributing factor. Therefore, managing stress levels is important to prevent the onset of canker sores and maintain good oral health.

Maintaining Good Oral Health is Crucial, Especially During Times of Stress

While removing the source of stress is the best solution, it may not always be possible. However, there are various stress-reducing techniques that you may want to consider. At the same time, it's important to consult with your dentist about specific treatments based on your symptoms. For example, more frequent dental cleanings, orthodontic treatment to correct teeth alignment, or fitting a nightguard to combat bruxism may be recommended.

It's also essential to follow a good oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash, and regularly visiting your dentist for checkups and evaluations. If you're experiencing stress-related oral health issues, don't hesitate to contact The O Clinic www.theoclinics.com to schedule an appointment. We can provide personalized solutions to help you maintain good oral health and combat the effects of stress.

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