The challenges of everyday life can cause a high amount of stress for many people. Jobs, children, finances, family life, social responsibilities, living situations, cars, and other factors can lead to stress. While it is almost impossible to completely remove stress or worry from our modern life, we can learn to manage it to maintain our health. Stress can cause physical and mental problems that will affect how we handle future challenges.
One aspect that stress can affect is dental health. Anxious thoughts, limited sleep, and constant worry will change your oral composition if not handled quickly. Below, we will share some common issues that stress can cause and how to better manage stress to result in better dental health.
Issues The Stress Causes In The Mouth
High amounts of stress can present in physical ailments. Limiting anxiety and worry will not only help you feel better equipped to handle challenging situations but will improve your overall health. Here are some of the most common dental problems caused by stress in the body.
Teeth Grinding
Stress or anxiety can cause people to grind their teeth, whether awake or asleep. This is one of the most prevalent oral issues when stress is present in your life. Teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism causes tooth wear, fractures, TMJ disorders, cavities, jaw pain, and more. While grinding your teeth may not result in dental problems early on, over the years it will lead to significant damage, if not dealt with properly.
Neglecting Oral Hygiene
When our brains are filled with worries or prevalent life challenges it can affect how we take care of ourselves. Stressful periods can cause us to neglect self-care, personal hygiene, diet, and sleep. Skipping regular brushing and flossing can lead to a higher risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Dry Mouth
Stress can change your saliva production which can lead to dry mouth. A dry mouth can lead to cavities or gum disease because there is less saliva to help neutralize bacteria. Saliva helps to rinse out food particles and acids that can impact your teeth. Reduced saliva causes cavities, bad breath, and gingivitis.
Managing Stress To Better Oral Care
If any of these issues sound like something you are experiencing, you may benefit from limiting stress in your life. Here are some tips to help improve your oral health in the midst of stress.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Choosing the right foods can help improve all aspects of your life. Proper nutrition provides essential vitamins that improve your mental and physical stamina. Limit alcohol, sugar, caffeine, acidic foods, and processed food if you are struggling with stress.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is important for your oral health as it helps to clean your mouth and provide your body with proper hydration. Keeping your body hydrated allows it to communicate with your brain effectively and grow vital organs. Oral health is improved when you drink plenty of water as it limits dry mouth, gum disease, and bacteria growth.
Utilize A Mouthguard
If teeth grinding is how your body manifests stress, you could benefit from a mouthguard. Wearing a night guard will limit damage to the tops of your teeth and limit jaw issues. Consulting your dentist can help find a mouth guard that works best for your teeth and your daily situations.
Seek Help From A Dentist And Therapist
For severe cases, working with your dentist and a therapist can help you find a better balance in your life. Stress can become very overwhelming and lead to mental health concerns. Working with a therapist can help you better manage stress that could cause your oral health to deteriorate.
Better Oral Health From Sunset Dental
Our dental office wants to help everyone in our community have better dental health. Sunset Dental offers general dental services, cosmetic dentistry, and dental cleanings. We hope that all of our patients feel comfortable and safe when visiting Sunset Dental. If you are looking for a trusted dentist in your area, we are the top choice for new patients. Sunset Dental is happy to add more members to our family while providing them with improved dental health. Reach out to our team to improve your smile today!