Link Between Stress and Oral Health

Stress is a normal part of life. Everyone experiences it from time to time. Stress can have both physical and emotional effects. Some stress can be beneficial, but too much stress can be harmful. It can affect your oral health leading to grinding your teeth, clenching your jaw, and chewing on pencils or pens.

Physical Effects Of Stress On Oral Health

Stress can affect your oral health in a number of ways, including causing tooth sensitivity or gum disease. When you experience stress, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream. These hormones can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of infection. As a result, you may develop gum disease more easily. Additionally, when your immune system is weakened, it can affect your chances of healing after having a tooth extracted. During your extraction process, your dentist will need to follow a protocol that kills bacteria in the area, but this becomes more difficult if your body is in a state of stress. For this reason, it’s especially important that you take steps to manage your stress levels if you suffer from gum disease. Reducing stress will also benefit your overall health and make it more likely you’ll be able to successfully treat your gum disease.

In addition to having a negative impact on your body’s ability to heal, stress may also cause your teeth to become sensitive. When you’re stressed, the muscles around the jaw tense up, which can cause them to rub against the sides of your teeth or the gums. This can lead to pain when eating hot or cold foods and drinks. If you notice that your teeth are extra sensitive when you’re stressed, try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, drawing, or reading as ways to reduce the tension in your jaw. Talk to your dentist about ways you can protect your teeth from the effects of stress. 

Dental Treatments For Stress

For many people, going to the dentist isn’t their favorite activity. In fact, anxiety may keep them away from the office altogether. However, regular dental care is an absolute necessity, and skipping it can result in serious complications down the road.

When stress causes you to skip your checkups, you’re putting your smile at risk. The dentist can detect and treat early signs of decay or disease that you may not notice at home. Additionally, if you notice symptoms of stress and think they may be affecting your oral health, make an appointment with your dentist. They may recommend treatment to help you get back on track.

Visit Next Level Dental at 693 President Pl #101, Smyrna, TN 37167, to learn more about our dental services. Contact us at (615) 459-6354 or schedule an appointment online for any queries related to stress and oral health.