Connection Between Stress And Oral Health

Stress is the physical and emotional response to demands on an individual. It can be caused by external forces, such as work deadlines or relationship problems, or by internal forces, such as a lack of sleep or underlying illness. There are many factors that can cause stress in a person’s life. This response can affect a person’s mental and physical health in numerous ways.

While a certain amount of stress is normal and can occur in everyone’s life at times, too much-sustained stress can be harmful. It can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as cause headaches, upset stomach, and other physical side effects. These symptoms can make it harder for a person to focus at work and at home, leading to more stress and further negative health consequences. Prolonged stress can also cause mental health problems like depression. If you are feeling stressed, talking to someone about how you feel can help release some of this tension.

How Does Stress Affect Oral Health?

Dental health can be influenced by a number of factors, including diet and oral hygiene habits. But did you know that stress can also impact your oral health? That’s because stress and anxiety can cause the body to release certain hormones that can, in turn, create a dry mouth. A dry mouth is a condition that occurs when there is not enough saliva to keep the mouth moist and comfortable. Without enough moisture in the mouth, the risk for cavities and the need for more frequent cleanings are much higher.

In addition to causing dry mouth, stress can also cause bad breath. This is because anxiety can cause you to subconsciously breathe through your mouth instead of your nose. Mouth breathing can also lead to things such as the dry mouth and tooth decay. 

The connection between stress and your oral health is pretty clear. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, which is the stress hormone. Cortisol increases your heart rate and lowers your immune system. It also changes the way that you eat by causing cravings for sugary foods and refined carbohydrates and decreasing your ability to taste the flavors of other foods. It can also make you clench your jaw or grind your teeth more often. All of these side effects can lead to more plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.

How to Manage Stress for Better Oral Health

There are several ways that you can manage stress to improve your dental health. First, you should limit your intake of sugar and other refined carbohydrates and sugar substitutes. You should also focus on getting plenty of sleep each night. And, of course, it’s okay to treat yourself every so often! If you can’t seem to manage your stress levels on your own, consider talking to a medical professional about what you can do to manage your stress. That way, you can protect your smile for years to come.

To learn more about our dental services or schedule an appointment with us, call our dentist at (817) 924-6211 or visit our dental office located at 2469 Forest Park Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76110.