How Stress May Affect Your Oral Health

Stress is one of the most common and widespread issues in today’s world. The condition is so common that it is even considered an epidemic. It can affect us in many different ways. It can make us physically ill and mentally unstable and even affect our dental health.

The Biology Behind How Stress Affects the Body

When you experience stress, it’s your body’s natural response to external pressures and stimuli. Your body goes into fight-or-flight mode. This activates your sympathetic nervous system, which works to help you either run from the situation or confront the problem at hand. However, this response also changes other bodily functions like your heart rate, blood pressure, and even your immune system.

When this occurs, your body isn’t able to focus on keeping your mouth and teeth healthy. It can’t create protective saliva to fight off bacteria. Instead, it creates cortisol which weakens the enamel on your teeth as well as causes gingivitis and other gum problems. Also, your blood pressure increases which cause inflammation in the gums and surrounding tissue. This can lead to serious gum disease issues as well as other health problems as well.

Dentists in Chattanooga recommend that patients be aware of their stress levels in order to reduce the effects of stress on their health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try to find a healthy way to release that stress. Exercise, meditation, yoga, or even a nice long walk can help relieve stress and calm you down. Managing your stress and finding ways to reduce it can help promote better oral health in the long run!

The Link Between Stress And Oral Health

When you feel stressed, your body releases hormones in response. This response causes you to breathe faster and your heart rate to increase. These physical changes affect how your mouth functions, too. For example, you may have trouble sleeping at night due to stress and may have more difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene habits.

Here are some unique challenges that you may experience if you are highly stressed:

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Increased plaque buildup and gum disease
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
• An increase in the estimated time it takes to brush your teeth (as compared to your baseline)

If you are feeling stressed, try consulting with a doctor about your options. Some doctors may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy or relaxation techniques to help you manage your stress levels. Your dentist may also recommend that you schedule routine visits for cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Choo Choo City Dentistry, located in Chattanooga, TN, is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care facilities for patients. Call us at (423) 756-0957 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn more about the services provided at the dental practice.