Have you been feeling stressed lately? While certain kinds of stress may be unavoidable, more and more research confirms the different ways in which stress can be harmful to your health. In honor of April being National Stress Awareness month, today our team wants to share some of the ways stress can affect your oral health -- and share some tips for easing stress in your life!

Grinding Your Teeth at Night? Stress May Be to Blame

If you grind your teeth at night, it may simply be that you’re feeling stressed during the day. If you can work on managing your stress at a healthy level, you may cure your tooth grinding. Tooth grinding is harmful because it wears away on your tooth enamel, making you more susceptible to cavities and causing tooth sensitivity. Grinding can also cause you to chip or crack a tooth! If you know that you grind your teeth, Dr. Gupta may be able to create a customized night guard that protects your teeth while you sleep.

Stress & Dry Mouth

When you’re nervous about something, your mouth may feel as dry as the Sahara. While it’s totally normal to experience occasional bouts of dry mouth, chronic dry mouth can suggest a deeper problem. Additionally, dry mouth is a side effect of some medications used to treat stress and anxiety. If you are experiencing chronic dry mouth, let our team know as dry mouth can lead to other complications like bad breath and painful sores.

Gum Disease & Stress

Science shows that high stress levels can weaken your immune system, making you vulnerable to a variety of illness. One such illness is gum disease, a serious oral health condition that can result in lost teeth if not treated and properly managed.

How Can You Avoid Stress & Protect Your Oral Health?

While some stress is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to manage stress at a healthy level. Some of our patients find that exercise helps them manage their stress, while others find that taking baths or meditating helps them maintain a sense of calm. We urge all of our patients to find a method that works for them when it comes to managing your stress -- teeth will thank you! To ask our team any questions or to schedule your next visit, contact our office today!

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