Stress and the Impact in your Oral Health
Stress can impact your oral health in many different ways. Bruxism, gum disease, dry mouth, grinding your teeth and even cavities are all possible consequences of stress.
Stress affects your immune system, making you more susceptible to infection, including colds and flu. Additionally, stress can increase your risk of developing heart disease and high blood pressure.
Stress can even increase your risk of developing caries, the most common oral disease. The American Academy of Periodontology says that people who experience stress have a greater tendency to develop oral infections because they have a decreased immune system response and are more likely to neglect their oral hygiene routines.
Stress and Oral Health – Bruxism
Bruxism – Stress causes the muscles of the face, jaw and tongue to tense up, which can result in grinding or clenching of teeth. This condition is known as bruxism and is especially common among people who grind their teeth at night. This can lead to jaw soreness and headaches in the morning, but it may also cause permanent damage to the teeth themselves.
Stress and Oral Health – Gum Disease
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an inflammatory disease affecting the soft tissue around the teeth that can cause pain and swelling as well as tooth loss if left untreated. It’s caused by plaque build-up on the surface of your teeth which bacteria feed on causing inflammation in the gums. The bacteria produce toxins that lead to further problems with gum health and if left untreated may spread through your body via your bloodstream causing heart disease or stroke!
Stress and Oral Health – Dry Mouth
Dry mouth – When we’re stressed out our bodies produce more saliva than usual. This extra saliva helps neutralize acids from digesting food and also keeps our mouths moist so we don’t develop dry mouth symptoms like bad breath or tooth decay. However, when we’re under constant stress our bodies produce less saliva than usual which can result in dry mouth symptoms like bad breath or tooth decay
Dry mouth is another common side effect of stress because it can make you more likely to drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks – both of which cause saliva production to decrease further! If you have dry mouth you’ll experience bad breath too!
Don’t hesitate to call us at 416-488-7454 or use our contact form. Dr. Queiroz and the team at Lawrence Park Dental in North York are here to assist you.
