The Connection Between Stress and Oral Health

As the holidays draw near, you may find yourself more stressed than ever. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, preparing for Christmas travel plans, or (slowly) checking off your gift list, it feels like there’s always something that needs to be done. 

You probably know the typical symptoms of stress — things like headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, and anxiety. But did you know that this increased stress can have a direct impact on your oral health?

For today’s blog post, let’s look at the connection between stress and oral health.

Stress may impact your oral health in various ways, including:

Teeth clenching or grinding

You may find yourself clenching your teeth during your waking hours or grinding your teeth (also called bruxism) during sleep. These habits can cause your teeth to chip or wear down. They may also lead to jaw pain and strain the muscles in your face.

Poor oral hygiene

During the holidays, you’re busier than ever, making it harder to maintain a regular brushing and flossing schedule. To combat stress, you may reach for alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, which increase your risk for oral diseases. Plus, you may be snacking on foods and drinks with a lot of added sugar. These unhealthy habits can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. 

Canker or cold sores

Canker sores are small spots with white or grayish centers and red borders that are not contagious. They are often triggered by vitamin B deficiency or other mouth irritations. They can cause pain while chewing or talking. Cold sores or fever blisters are painful. They are filled with fluid and often appear outside of the mouth and around the lips. They are contagious, so you should avoid touching your mouth and lips. It’s also important not to share utensils or drinks with others.

Other common symptoms include jaw issues and/or problems with the jaw joint or chewing muscles as well as oral infections, like ulcers, white lines, or white or red spots. To reduce these symptoms, it’s important to determine the cause of your stress and figure out ways to lower your stress levels. 

Fortunately, as you work to reduce your stress, you can find relief from painful symptoms.

To start, think about your habits and how you can improve them. At holiday gatherings, try to avoid hard or crunchy foods that may contribute to your pain. Additionally, don’t use tobacco and alcohol to cope with your stress, as they often make your symptoms even worse. If brushing and flossing twice a day is a challenge, put a toothbrush and toothpaste in your car or purse for easy access.

You should also talk to your dentist about potential treatment options. For teeth grinding, you may want to consider a custom-fitted night guard to prevent long-term tooth damage. For immediate relief, consider gently massaging the sore areas or taking pain relief medications. You can also ask your dentist about prescription medications. To reduce inflammation in the jaw joint, anti-inflammatory drugs often help, while antiviral dugs can prevent cold sores.

With these tips, you can improve your stress and oral health! 

 

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