Stress can have a negative impact on your health. Stress can negatively affect your health, which includes your oral health. Stress can deteriorate your immune system, increasing your risk for periodontal diseases. Stress can also increase the risk of bruxism, or grinding your teeth. You may also be at a higher risk for certain types of oral cancers.
Stress Management with a Healthy Diet
It may seem strange at first, but the connection between oral health and stress is real. It is important to know how your oral health and stress are related. Stress can cause us to crave unhealthy food, and this can lead to weight gain and poor oral hygiene.
Stress can affect your mood, sleep patterns and even your appetite. When you’re stressed, the body releases cortisol. This hormone causes many physical symptoms such as higher blood pressure, inflammation and also stimulates your appetite. When you are stressed, it is possible that you will crave something sweet or salty to alleviate your symptoms. If you’re stressed, eat well and get enough sleep to avoid unhealthy cravings. Sleeping well and eating right will reduce stress and maintain your health. You can also try chewing gum. Chewing gum stimulates salivation, which helps you to avoid feeling dry mouth while talking, laughing or chewing. Stress can cause bad breath if your mouth is dry. By keeping it moist, you can avoid this.
Reduced Saliva production
Stress can cause us to unconsciously clench and grind our teeth. The constant jaw clenching can cause teeth to wear down and lead to sensitivity and pain. This can cause bone loss and gum recession around the teeth. To protect your dental health, it’s essential to reduce stress as much as you can.
Stress can also be reflected in a decrease in the production of saliva. Saliva helps to prevent tooth decay by washing away bacteria and food particles. Saliva can also prevent erosion of tooth enamel by reducing acid levels. Chewing sugar-free chewing gum can help increase saliva flow and production if you find that your mouth feels dry when under stress. Drink water all day long to rinse off bacteria and keep teeth clean. Water can also relieve anxiety.
Grinding your Teeth
You may notice that you grind and clench your teeth when you are stressed. This can cause serious dental problems. The teeth can be damaged by grinding, causing enamel to wear away and even tooth loss. It can also cause excessive wear to the biting surfaces of teeth and jaw pain. Talk to your dentist if you grind your teeth or clench them about possible treatment options, such as mouthguards and stress management techniques.
This post was written by a professional at Elite Dental and Orthodontics. Your partner for Dental Implants Los Angeles, Elite Dental’s mission is to provide exceptional dental care that brings smiles to life. Whether you’re seeking relief from tooth pain, considering a veneer smile makeover, or require a dental implant, our experienced team is here to guide you on your journey to optimal oral health in Los Angeles, CA.
