
Between family, work, social activities, and educational responsibilities, it’s a pretty safe bet that you lead a stressful life. But unfortunately, stress doesn’t just affect your mental health. It can often have a variety of negative side effects on your oral and overall health, too. Here are a few ways it can manifest itself in your mouth, and what you can do to protect your smile.
Canker Sores
Aphthous ulcers (aka canker sores) can appear in the soft tissue of your mouth. Though it is not exactly clear what causes them, they often show up at the worst possible times, such as when you’re already extremely stressed out. It is believed that they appear when the immune system is compromised, which can happen when you’re under excessive mental duress. Though they are harmless and will typically heal on their own within 10 to 14 days, they can still be quite painful, especially if you accidentally bite one while chewing!
Teeth Grinding
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a stress-related behavior you may not even realize you’re doing. In fact, some people do it while they’re sound asleep! This condition can cause jaw pain and stiffness as well as broken and worn teeth. If you manifest stress in your jaw, speak to your dentist about having a custom mouthguard made to help absorb some of the pressure that grinding puts on your teeth.
Dry Mouth
Studies have shown that excessive stress and anxiety can cause a condition called xerostomia, or “dry mouth.” This occurs when your body’s saliva production slows down, causing your mouth to feel dry and giving you bad breath. Unfortunately, saliva is necessary not just to keep your mouth hydrated, but also to rinse away bad oral bacteria and neutralize the plaque acid that it creates in your mouth, thereby reducing your risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
Neglected Hygiene
Finally, when you’re stressed, anxious, or depressed, self-care often falls by the wayside. Maybe you don’t floss or brush your teeth as often, and you may even avoid visiting the dentist regularly. While it can be hard to pull yourself out of a dark place and focus on your own mental health, it is important to do so to protect your body, mind, and smile.
How to Overcome Stress and Protect Your Smile
While there’s usually no magic cure for stress and anxiety, the good news is that there are still many things you can do to make living with them easier. Here are a few ideas you can try to help you feel better so you can take care of yourself:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Physical exercise
- Take a long bath
- Get a massage
- Sleep at least 8 hours each night
- Eat a balanced diet
- Take frequent breaks
- Practice yoga
- Meditate
- Listen to music
- Start a hobby
- Eliminate stress and anxiety triggers
- Talk to a friend, counselor, or trusted family member
Remember, it’s common to lead a stressful life, but no matter how hard things get, it’s very important to take care of yourself. This includes practicing excellent oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for your regular, biannual exam and cleaning appointments.
About Our Practice
At Beck Dental Care of Columbia, we understand you lead a stressful life. That’s why we make it easy for you to get the care you need at a time that works for you. If you’d like to schedule your regular, preventive dental checkup and cleaning, we are open early and here late several days a week, and you can book right on our website or call us directly at 931-388-8452 to make your appointment.