Stress is a negative thing that can have different effects on your body. What most people don’t realize is that stress can have serious effects on their oral health. This article discusses the various impacts stress has on your oral health.
Stress and Teeth Grinding
When people are stressed, they are more likely to slide their teeth back and forth over each other, or clench them especially at night. Teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism, is a serious condition you shouldn’t ignore. If not treated, this condition can lead to serious chronic conditions.
Stress and Gum Disease
Studies show that when your body is experiencing stress, its ability to produce protective immune cells against pathogens is compromised. A weakened immune response means that bacteria will easily thrive, increasing inflammation. When bacteria that causes periodontal disease are allowed to thrive, they can make a person more prone to gum infection.
Stress and Canker Sores
Canker sores are small forms of ulcers that appear in your mouth and make talking or eating extremely uncomfortable. Research shows that conker sores are more likely to appear when a person is highly stressed or anxious. Even though this condition rarely escalates to a serious medical condition, it is important to treat it as soon as possible.
Stress and TMJ Disorder
The Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a condition that causes pain in the muscles that control jaw movement. It also causes pain in the jaw joints. When you are stressed, overusing jaw muscles causes you to grind your teeth, leading to potential chronic diseases.
Stress and Oral Hygiene Neglect
When people are stressed, they tend to overlook the basic self-care practises. Vital habits like sleep are compromised, meaning there is no energy or desire to complete simple tasks like brushing and flossing your teeth.
