The Link Between Chronic Stress & Your Oral Health, Explained!

Chronic stress – whether it’s from your job or things going on in your personal life – can have a domino effect. At first, it may just feel like you’re overwhelmed, but it can result in anxiety, lack of sleep, and fatigue over time. In fact, it even can negatively impact your oral health. To learn more about the link between the two (and a few practical tips to help!), read on.

Chronic Stress & Oral Health: What’s the Connection?

Last-minute deadlines, busy schedules, and just day-to-day life can result in chronic stress. But how does that impact your oral health? In short, your body may produce more cortisol in response to anxiousness, which can lead to periodontal disease. Furthermore, a study in the Journal of Periodontology found that stress can hinder consistent oral hygiene. More than half of the participants shared that stress resulted in them not brushing or flossing. Lastly, unhealthy coping mechanisms, like smoking, can further influence oral health for the worse.

4 Oral Health Concerns That Are Linked to Chronic Stress

Over the years, researchers have linked chronic stress to the development of these four oral health concerns:

• Burning Mouth Syndrome – This unpleasant condition results in the tongue, lips, and roof of the mouth experiencing a scalding sensation.
• Canker Sores – Although the exact cause of these ulcers inside the mouth is unknown, they seem to appear more often in stressed individuals.
• Cold Sores – These fluid-filled blisters can surface in response to you feeling overwhelmed and rundown.
• Bruxism – This condition refers to when patients grind or clench their teeth. This often unintentional habit occurs more in stressed individuals and can result in chipped and worn down teeth.

How to Improve Your Stress Levels & Your Oral Health

If you’re someone who struggles with chronic stress, there is some good news: you can protect your smile. Even better, incorporating these best practices can improve your mental state as well! So, try:

• Eating a well-balanced diet. This will ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs while also keeping your teeth healthy from the inside-out.
• Practicing relaxation techniques. Morning meditation, daily stretching, and deep breathing can also help you stay calm, relaxing your facial muscles in the process.
• Making your oral hygiene routine part of your self-care regimen. Taking some time for yourself is important, no matter how busy you are. Make your brushing and flossing routine part of your morning and evening “me” time.

Chronic stress can be detrimental in more ways than one. Fortunately, you can use the above tips to do your best to remain calm and protect your teeth!

About the Practice

Studio City Dental Arts doesn’t just want you to have a beautiful smile; we want you to have a beautiful life too! That’s why we focus on providing meticulous and personalized dental care that benefits your oral and overall health. Plus, we utilize the latest technology and offer sedation dentistry to ensure your time with us is as comfortable and efficient as possible. If you’d like to learn more about the link between chronic stress and oral health or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (818) 760-0200.