Have you ever wondered how stress affects oral health? You are likely well aware of the effects that stress can have on your overall health. However, you may not realize the ways in which stress can manifest itself in the health of your teeth, gums and jaw.
Stress can cause:
Here are some tips for managing these ailments:
Mouth Sores
Canker sores are small ulcers with a white or grayish base with a red border that appear inside the mouth. Although experts aren’t sure what causes them, they do think that stress, as well as fatigue and allergies, can increase the risk of getting them. Most canker sores disappear in a week to 10 days. For relief from the irritation, try over-the-counter topical anesthetics. To reduce irritation, don’t eat spicy, hot foods or foods with a high acid content, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits.
Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are contagious. Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that often appear on or around the lips, but can also crop up under the nose or around the chin area. Emotional upset, fever, a sunburn or skin abrasion can trigger an outbreak.
Like canker sores, fever blisters often heal on their own in about a week. Treatment is available, including over-the-counter remedies and prescription antiviral drugs. Ask your doctor or dentist if you could benefit from either. It’s important to start treatment as soon as you notice the cold sore forming.
Teeth Grinding
It is common for people who are stressed to clench and grind their teeth. Clenching and grinding (also known as bruxism) can occur during the day or while you are sleeping. People are usually unaware that they are clenching and grinding their teeth, and stress often increases the severity of this unconscious habit.
Grinding your teeth can lead to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet.
See your dentist and ask what can be done for the clenching and grinding. Your dentist may recommend a night guard, worn as you sleep or another appliance to help you stop or minimize the actions.
Poor Oral Hygiene
We have all had the urge to skip our oral hygiene routine and head straight to bed. This is especially true during stressful times. It is also easy to give into unhealthy eating habits like indulging in sugary food and drinks. All of these stress induced reactions will increase your risk for tooth decay and other problems.
Just reminding yourself of the importance of hygiene and healthy eating may help. It is a good idea to stick to a regular exercise regime, especially in times of stress. Make a point to cook healthy meals and stay active so you avoid letting your mood get the best of you.
