There are a number of factors that can affect your oral health on a regular basis, and one that's sometimes not considered properly is stress. How can stress impact your teeth and gums, and what can be done to counteract any negative effects of stress on your oral health?
At Hillfield Pediatric & Family Dentistry, we're proud to offer a variety of family dentist and general dentist services at our Layton dentist office, ensuring patients of all ages maintain quality oral health. Here are some of the ways stress can impact oral health, plus how to manage any of these issues you or your family might be dealing with.
One of the most common and notable ways stress can impact oral health is through teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. This condition occurs when you clench or grind your teeth, often while you sleep.
Bruxism can cause a variety of dental issues, including:
In severe cases, bruxism can even lead to damage or loss of teeth. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms and suspect it may be due to stress-related teeth grinding, it's important to seek treatment from your family dentist. They may recommend a mouthguard or other relaxation techniques to help alleviate the issue.
Another common oral health issue related to stress is the development of canker sores. For some people who are prone to getting canker sores, stress can trigger their onset. These small ulcers in the mouth can be painful and make eating and speaking uncomfortable.
While they typically heal on their own within a week or two, there are ways to help alleviate the discomfort and promote healing, such as avoiding spicy or acidic foods, using over-the-counter topical treatments, and practicing stress management techniques.
Stress can also sometimes be associated with negative effects on the immune system, which in turn can have an impact on your oral health. Specifically, high levels of stress hormones can weaken the body's ability to fight off infection and inflammation, making you more susceptible to gum disease.
Gum disease is a common oral health issue that begins with plaque buildup on the teeth and gums. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar and can lead to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and even further progression to periodontitis if left untreated.
Symptoms of gum disease may include redness, swelling, bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. If not addressed in its early stages, gum disease can cause irreversible damage to the supporting structures of the teeth and potentially result in tooth loss.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for preventing gum disease. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to remove plaque and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas. Regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and check-ups are also important in identifying any early signs of gum disease and addressing them promptly.
For some people, stress leads to dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. This occurs when there is a decrease in the production of saliva, which can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva helps neutralize acids produced by plaque and promotes remineralization of teeth, making it an important natural defense against cavities.
To combat stress-induced dry mouth, one can try drinking more water throughout the day and chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production. Avoiding tobacco products and limiting caffeine intake can also help alleviate symptoms of dry mouth.
As you can see, there are several ways stress can impact oral health - but also some basic ways to counter these effects. For more information here, or to learn about any of our family dentists or general dentist services around Layton, contact our team at Hillfield Pediatric & Family Dentistry today!
