With so many different things going on around you, it may be hard to take a breath and calm down. There may be an endless laundry list of things that are stressing you. While being in this state chronically can affect your overall health, it can also have an impact on your smile. There are several oral health issues that you may be at a higher risk of. Keep reading to learn which ones and what you can do to protect your well-being.
How Can Chronic Stress Impact My Oral Health?
If you are constantly stressed out, then it can manifest through your oral health. Here are just a few ways:
- Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Also known as bruxism, this habit is often subconscious. You may not know you’re doing it until your jaw starts to feel sore or you wear down and damage your enamel.
- Gum Disease: When you experience stress, it weakens your immune system over time. Your body won’t be able to fight off infections, and this condition is one of those but in your gums. If you leave it untreated, then you risk it becoming more severe and causing tooth loss.
- Dry Mouth: You may be more likely to experience this, which can increase your risk for cavities. When you can’t properly produce saliva, then you won’t be able to wash away harmful bacteria and food particles. The longer they linger, the higher the chance of decay.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: With so many things on your mind, it can be easy to push back basic self-care. You may not brush or floss as consistently or as thoroughly as necessary, leading to a myriad of problems.
What Can I Do to Protect My Smile?
In order to keep your oral and overall health in good standing, it’s important that you manage your stress. It can seem a bit hard to do, but there may be some things that work out for you. For instance, narrow down what’s causing a main chunk of it and create a plan to get rid of it. Although it can seem daunting, doing it can help take a load off your shoulders.
Some people find success with doing breathing exercises or meditating. This can help ground you and feel a bit calmer. You might even want to talk to your friends and family or a professional to let yourself vent out your worries.
By brushing twice and flossing at least once a day, you can ensure your smile stays strong. Doing it for the full two minutes can effectively get rid of any harmful plaque and bacteria that spell trouble. If you grind or clench your teeth during the night, then consider asking your dentist about a nightguard.
Lastly, keep up with your routine checkups and cleanings. These appointments can give you a chance to lie back and relax, knowing that you are taking a crucial step in keeping your oral health the best it can be. Combine it with some of the tips above, and you can help reduce the negative impact stress can have on your grin.
About the Author
Dr. Rebecca Long earned her dental degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. With over 600 hours of continuing education, she is proud to give the Austin community the highest-quality care they deserve. Dr. Long is happy to help keep her patients’ smiles strong through preventive care and personalized treatments. If it’s time for your next semi-annual checkup, schedule an appointment or call her office at (512) 328-0155.