Have you been struggling with chronic stress recently? There are all sorts of different things that can cause you to feel this way. Whether your work schedule has been overwhelming, your kids have a lot going on, or there is another source of stress in your life, it isn’t uncommon to feel on edge. Unfortunately, stress can have a negative effect on your body, including your oral health. The good news is that there are always steps you can take to reduce the stress in your life and hopefully give your smile a break. Continue reading to learn more about how chronic stress and oral health are related.
How Does Stress Affect Your Oral Health?
Everyone gets stressed from time to time, but chronic stress can cause a variety of issues for your dental health. Here are a few of the more common problems:
- Periodontal disease: When you are anxious or depressed, your body produces more of a hormone known as “cortisol.” This increases your risk of developing periodontal disease. Stress can also impair your immune system and contribute to infections in the mouth.
- Burning mouth syndrome: This painful condition causes a scalding feeling of the tongue, lips, and the roof of the mouth.
- Canker sores: These are smile, painful ulcers that appear on the inside of the mouth. They are more likely to appear when an individual is stressed.
- Cold sores: These fluid-filled blisters are caused by the herpes virus. If you are infected with it, you are more likely to experience an outbreak when you are stressed.
How Can Stress Be Relieved?
Eliminating stress from your life is much easier said than done, but there are some steps you can take to reduce it. Here are some things that many people find effective:
- Exercise: When you put physical stress on your body, you can relieve mental stress. People who exercise regularly are less likely to experience anxiety than those who don’t.
- Limit caffeine intake: Caffeine is a stimulant that’s present in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate. It can help to get you on your feet in the morning, but it can also contribute to anxiety.
- Sugar-free gum: If you tend to chew on your fingernails or other hard objects when you’re stressed, this can damage your teeth over time. Try keeping some sugar-free gum with you instead. It tastes good and helps to stimulate saliva flow in the mouth.
- Listen to music: Try calming music to reduce your stress. Slow placed instrumental music, classical music, and natural sounds are popular options.
- Meditation: Take some time for yourself. This may help to calm some of your nerves.
No one wants to feel overwhelmed, especially when it is affecting their smile. By maintaining excellent oral hygiene, seeing your dentist regularly, and using the tips listed above, stress doesn’t have to dictate your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Tyler Aten earned his dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut. Currently, he is a SPEAR Study Club Leader and has completed an extensive amount of advanced training, including IV and oral sedation training, dental implant training, and comprehensive and cosmetic training. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in St. Albans City, visit his website or call (802) 524-4844.