Stress is an inevitable part of our lives. Stress is not all bad. However, extreme stress can be detrimental. It can have profound effects on our health. Stress can lead to a number of health problems including heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. It can also damage our oral health.

What is oral health?

Most people don’t realize how important your oral health is to your overall health. But in fact, the bacteria and acids that build up in your mouth can wreak havoc on the rest of your body. In fact, one study even suggested that there is a strong link between gum disease and heart disease. And poor oral hygiene can also lead to a host of other health-related issues, such as diabetes or pregnancy complications. That’s why it’s so important to do everything you can to keep your mouth clean and healthy. What steps can you take to improve your dental health?

First, make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time using a soft-bristled toothbrush. The American Dental Association recommends using fluoride toothpaste to help keep your teeth strong and healthy, but if you prefer, you can also choose a natural toothpaste alternative that’s free from fluoride. When you brush, be sure to floss your teeth as well. This will remove plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line. You may also want to rinse with mouthwash to kill any leftover bacteria. And finally, make regular trips to the dentist’s office. They’ll help you keep your mouth in tip-top shape.

By practicing good oral hygiene every day, you can keep your mouth healthy and reduce your risk of many health problems!

What is stress?

You may be wondering why your dentist is telling you to reduce stress in your life and smile more. The answer to that question is quite simple! When you are stressed, your body releases hormones that trigger the production of acid that can erode your enamel. Enamel erosion can cause your teeth to become weak, discolored, or sensitive. If left untreated, it can lead to the need for root canal therapy or even tooth loss. Talk about stressful! That’s why it’s important to find healthy ways to relieve stress such as talking with a friend or getting exercise in. You can also commit to better oral hygiene habits like brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist twice a year to keep your pearly whites in great shape.

Does stress impact your oral health?

Yes, chronic stress can negatively impact your smile in a few different ways. When people are stressed they tend to clench their jaw or grind their teeth together. This can cause damage to not only your teeth but also your fillings and crowns. Also, since stress contributes to many medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, it can also lead to more cavities due to dry mouth and poor diet choices. If you are feeling stressed and you notice that you are feeling a lot of tension in your face or you have a headache that just won’t go away you may want to talk to your dentist about what you can do to relieve this stress and reduce your risk of tooth damage.

When you are relaxed your body does not produce enough cortisol which is responsible for breaking down the enamel of your teeth. If your cortisol levels are too high for too long, it can lead to weak enamel that can easily break down and result in tooth decay and even tooth loss. If you have been under a lot of stress for a long time and you are noticing that you are experiencing more sensitivity than normal to hot or cold foods and drinks, frequent toothaches, or if your teeth are just not as white as they once were then you may also want to talk to your dentist about what treatment options they have available that can help restore your smile to its original glory.

- Dr. Jonathan Dickson DDS

Author Bio

Dr. Jonathan Dickson is a dentist in Grand Rapids MI who currently practices at Dental Group of West Michigan. He has over 15 years of experience as a practicing dentist and loves providing high-quality care to patients of all ages. When he isn’t at the office he enjoys spending his free time with his wife and their three children as well as volunteering with the local schools in his community. He is passionate about dentistry and helping spread important information about dental health through blogging.

Author Name

Dr. Jonathan Dickson

Author URL

How can stress affect your oral health?

When you’re feeling stressed, your body produces more cortisol, which can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. That’s because when the body is under stress, it pumps out hormones that increase the flow of blood to the mouth. This can cause the gums to become inflamed, or red and swollen, according to the American Dental Association. But stress isn’t the only factor that can cause inflammation in the gums—it can also be caused by a buildup of plaque due to poor oral hygiene.

When your gums are inflamed, they can bleed more easily when brushing and flossing. Plus, the inflammation itself can make teeth are more sensitive, so you’re more likely to have pain in your teeth and gums when you have an onset of stress. In fact, people with inflamed gums are twice as likely to suffer from painful teeth than those with healthy gums, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. So, in addition to taking care of your stress levels, make sure you’re getting regular cleanings and checkups at your dental office! That way you can combat the effects of stress on your smile, and maintain a healthier mouth overall. - The Editors at Everyday Health

Author Bio

Dr. Holly Gregory is a practicing dentist who earned her degree in dentistry from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in 2005. She loves educating patients about oral health and empowering them to take control of their overall health. She practices at Dental Horizons in Canton, GA. To learn more about her practice, contact her office or visit her website.

Author Social Links

facebook.com| profile for Dentist in Canton GA, Dr.

How can you reduce stress?

You likely know that stress is bad for your physical health, but did you know that it can also affect your smile? The hormones produced when you’re stressed can harm your teeth and can cause minor problems that lead to big impacts over time. These can include weakened enamel, increased chances of decay, and even tooth loss! Here are a few tips to reduce stress in your life that will also help your smile stay problem free.

- Take time to breathe deeply every day. When you feel yourself start to get stressed, take a second to focus on your breaths. Inhale through your nose, hold for a second, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. This will help relax you in the moment, and you’ll also be practicing excellent oral hygiene by keeping your gums healthy.

- Make time for activities that help you de-stress and unwind. This can be anything you enjoy -- reading, yoga, meditation, or music. Whatever helps you decompress should be incorporated into your regular routine. This can help you manage your stress levels in the long term and prevent future problems with your oral health.

- Talk to your dentist about what to do if you feel anxious in the dentist’s chair. Many patients aren’t aware that there are many options to help calm their nerves while they’re in the office, such as sedation dentistry. If you think this could make a difference for you, talk to your dental care provider to learn more.

- See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. The earlier a problem is caught, the simpler and more cost-effective solution it is. Regular visits to the dentist can also help you stay on top of any oral health issues you’re having with a thorough examination.

- Practice good dental hygiene at home by brushing twice per day and flossing at least once. Also be sure to use an ADA-approved mouthwash to kill germs in your mouth and keep bacteria