We all know some of the common ways stress can affect our physical and mental well-being – from stomach upsets to headaches and rashes.
And as we approach the third year of a global pandemic, we are also discovering that stress can have a significant impact even on our oral and dental health.
Research has shown that long-term stress is directly related to poor oral health
In particular, when we are stressed, our immune system does not perform so well. This is because the stress hormone, cortisol, is responsible for suppressing the effectiveness of the immune system.
So when we are stressed, our body’s natural ability to repel bacterial invasions is automatically reduced. Because the immune system is responsible for protecting the body from bacterial infections, it can not work effectively against bacteria that cause periodontal disease, while increasing the risk of inflammation, such as in the gums.
In addition, when we are stressed we often consume more sweets, which contributes to tooth decay. Similarly, a glass of wine in the evening while you relax, can also negatively affect your oral health. In addition, anxious people may forget – or lack energy – to brush their teeth as often as needed and floss regularly. Both of these habits are essential for healthy teeth and gums.
If you find yourself in any of the above examples, keep reading to learn the 5 most common habits that reduce our oral health.
Gritting your teeth
Also known as bruxism, gnashing of teeth is a very common side effect of stress. In fact, the pressure on the teeth and gums from excessive grinding can lead to a multitude of negative consequences. The most common are receding gums and the formation of gingival follicles, pain in the jaw, damage to the enamel and abnormal tooth decay. In severe cases it can even cause someone to lose or break their teeth.
If you also grind your teeth in sleep do not worry. Your dentist will be able to spot it right away at your next appointment and suggest solutions. Some examples of solutions are to use a toothpaste or mouth guard at night for more tooth protection.
TMJ & jaw pain
Another side effect of bruxism is that it can also lead to disorders of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In simpler words, this is the joint that is located under your ear and helps to move the lower part of the jaw. Stress can make you clench your jaw, unknowingly, throughout the day. Repeated tightening can cause pain in the mouth from tension and pressure. Also, TMJ can disrupt tooth alignment and make your enamel more sensitive.
Gingivitis and other diseases of the gums
Stress makes it difficult to prevent and fight infections such as gingivitis, which is an early stage of periodontal disease. More specifically, gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup. An indication is that the gums are irritated and tend to bleed easily during brushing or flossing. At this stage the damage is reversible and the teeth are usually not affected yet.
If left untreated, however, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. This is a more serious form of periodontal disease, where the gums begin to recede and move away from the teeth. This results in the formation of small pockets where bacteria accumulate. Inflammation and spread of plaque below the gum line then lead to bone loss and loosening or displacement of the teeth. Therefore, if you see your gums irritated or bleeding frequently, make an appointment with your dentist for an examination. Prevention is the best treatment anyway!
Nail biting
Many people “eat” their nails due to stress or boredom. Maybe we have all gone through this phase one day. In addition to tooth decay, this bad habit can gradually push the teeth out of place. In addition, biting your nails is a surefire way to transfer germs from your fingers to your mouth.
This in turn can lead to mouth infections and viruses that can affect the rest of the body. An easy way to reduce nail biting is a beautiful and regular manicure. You will love it so much that you will not want to bite your nails and spoil it!
Read also:
The 5 basic rules of body care to prepare for spring
The satin dress starring this year
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