Stress Leading to Poor Oral Health

Stress is a common part of our lives. However, it can take a toll on your oral health and hygiene. Stress can negatively impact your overall health in many ways. It can also lead to oral problems such as cavities and gum disease. Listed below are a few ways in which stress can affect your oral health.

You may sometimes clench your jaw or grind your teeth when you're feeling stressed. If you have habits such as nail biting or chewing on pens and pencils while you're at the office, you may be putting yourself at risk for oral health issues. 

Chronically elevated cortisol levels due to stress can weaken your immune system, making it easier for oral diseases to take hold in your mouth. Additionally, when you are stressed, you are more likely to clench or grind your teeth. This can do a lot of damage to your teeth, which will require restorative dental treatments to fix.

When you feel anxious, your body releases adrenaline into your system. This hormone is responsible for increased blood pressure and faster heart rate. As a result, you may experience dry mouth, which can lead to cavities. You may also notice that there are food particles stuck between your teeth from eating more sugary foods due to stress.

Ways to Manage Stress

If you're stressed at work, try taking deep breaths to help you relax and focus on the positive things that are happening around you instead of the negatives. You should also talk to your coworkers about any stress-relief methods that can help you stay calm throughout the day. And if you can, take a quick break from your work to stretch and get some fresh air. Even a small break can make a big difference in how you feel! 

If you experience any health changes as a result of stress, make sure that you visit your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to examine your mouth for any potential problems and suggest ways to improve your oral health.

Schedule an appointment with a dentist in your local area today. If you have a fear of the dentist, be sure to talk to him or her about your concerns before your visit. They may be able to offer you sedation options to help you have a more comfortable appointment. You can also ask your dentist how you can slow down the stress in your life so that you don't experience as many oral health problems.

Visit Rosemont Dental Center, 2090 Old Farm Dr #C, Frederick, MD 21702, or contact the Dentist in Frederick, MD, by calling us at (301) 663-1144 to learn more about oral health and stress.