Links Between Stress And Oral Health

Stress can be broadly defined as emotional or mental tension, pressure, strain, or even the sense of being overwhelmed. Everyone experiences some degree of stress in their life - it’s simply a part of the human condition. However, chronic stress can take a toll on a person’s body and result in a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, weight gain, and diabetes. This is because your mind and body are intricately connected. 

Stress Affecting Oral Health

Occasional, mild cases of stress may not be too harmful to your teeth and gums. In fact, it can actually help strengthen your teeth by strengthening your immune system and speeding up your body’s natural healing process. However, if you experience frequent or severe stress over a prolonged period of time, this can have damaging effects on your oral health.

When you are stressed, your body releases chemicals that increase your blood pressure and heart rate. Your mouth can also become dry, which can cause painful sores on the mouth’s surface. When you clench your jaw, it can cause TMJ disorder to develop, which can lead to pain in your jaw joints and difficulty opening your mouth. You may also grind your teeth at night while sleeping under high-stress circumstances, leading to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) that leads to constant headaches and increased tooth sensitivity.

Though most people know that stress can make them feel tired or sick, they may not realize just how much it affects their physical health, including their teeth. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, stress interferes with the body’s natural healing process. This means that when a tooth is chipped or broken because of an accident, a person is more likely to experience bleeding gums or delayed healing if they are stressed. In addition, studies have found that high-stress levels can also impact the way that a patient’s immune system functions, which can then have an adverse effect on dental health. Some people may experience dry mouth as a result of stress, which can contribute to tooth decay because saliva helps to neutralize acids in the mouth and rinse away particles of food. If patients do not take the time to brush and floss their teeth properly, they may unintentionally cause more damage to their mouths by exposing them to harmful acids for a longer period of time.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to speak with your dentist about ways to relieve your stress and protect your smile from further damage. This may mean increasing your oral hygiene routine at home, trying relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, and seeing a therapist or counselor to help you cope with life’s challenges more effectively.

West Reno Dental, located in Reno, NV, is equipped with the best dentists and modern amenities that facilitate effective treatment services for patients. Dial (775) 323-4054 and book an appointment with the dentist to learn more about dental services.