How Stress May Affect Your Smile

Although our fast-paced lifestyle can have its advantages, reducing stress isn't one of them. We tend to have high stress and anxiety levels because of the demands placed on us, often by ourselves. This often adversely impacts our oral health.

Scientists have shown a correlation between good oral health and low stress levels. If your stress levels are spiraling ever upward, then let's see how that can affect you.

Teeth Grinding aka Bruxism

Bruxism is one of the most common components of poor oral health and can manifest as jaw clenching or teeth grinding. Typically, bruxism manifests during sleep, so the individual isn't aware of it. Symptoms of bruxism include:

• Cracked tooth enamel
• Facial soreness
• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• TMJ issues
• Worn or eroded teeth

If you wake up with sensitive teeth or a sore jaw, you may have bruxism and should call your dentist for an appointment.

Inflammation

If you're habitually stressed, it can weaken your immune system, so you'll be unable to fight off inflammation and infection. It also makes you more susceptible to periodontal disease, which can manifest as:

• Bleeding gums
• Lost or loosened teeth
• Receding gums

Since stress increases the body's inflammatory response, if you already have periodontal disease, stress can exacerbate it.

Dry Mouth

Saliva is essential for a healthy mouth. If you have dry mouth, you lack sufficient saliva for good oral health. Saliva removes residual food particles, neutralizes acids, and inhibits bacterial growth. Without an adequate amount of saliva, you're at increased risk of tooth decay. Being stressed can cause an increase in dry mouth, putting you at risk for oral health issues.

Can You Change Your Oral Hygiene Habits?

Sometimes, when bedtime comes around, we're so tired we just want to collapse into bed. Don't do that.

Never neglect your oral hygiene, no matter what else must be put off. The "skipping just once" attitude can lead to a buildup of dental plaque and other unpleasant issues.

To maintain the best oral health, consider the following:

• Lower your stress levels
• Avoid sugar-laden snacks and foods
• Resist the "just once" temptation
• Brush at least twice daily and floss at least once daily
• Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Maintain good hydration
• Schedule at least annual dental exams and cleanings; bi-annually is better
• Get a nightguard if you have bruxism

If you wake up with bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, or jaw pain, then you may need a night guard, but you definitely need a visit to your dentist.

Call Lakeshore Family Dentistry and let us help you reduce your stress and regain your good oral health.

Call us today. We look forward to speaking with you.