How Stress Affect Oral Health?

Stress, whether internal or external, is the body's way of reacting to any changes in the environment that it feels it cannot cope with. It can be caused by anything, such as a stressful work environment, social pressure, or financial worries. While a little bit of stress can certainly have a positive effect and can improve performance and increase motivation, too much stress can have a negative impact on people both mentally and physically. This can result in issues such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety, as well as cause the immune system to weaken. These are all things that can increase the risk of someone developing oral health issues, as stress can have a significant impact on the health of a person's mouth. 

This is because whenever someone is stressed, they tend to have an increased heart rate which means that their blood flow will be redirected away from their oral tissues to the major organs, such as the lungs and heart, which need it more. This means that they will suffer from a lack of oxygenated blood, which is vital for protecting against harmful bacteria. Along with this, since many people tend to clench or grind their teeth when they are under stress, this can be held responsible for a number of long-term problems, including broken fillings, worn teeth, and even damaged gums. 

The best way to cope with stress is to avoid stressful situations whenever possible. If you tend to be under a lot of stress, you may want to take measures to reduce stress in your life. This can include taking breaks from work or school, making time to exercise, or even prioritizing self-care activities like meditation or journaling. If you are suffering from stress and are concerned about your oral health, we highly recommend that you make an appointment to see your dentist immediately so that they can perform a full diagnosis and advise you on how to treat it best. After an appointment, you can also talk to our team about how you can reduce the impact stress has on your oral health so that you have a healthier mouth and a much happier mind.