While it’s no secret that stress can have long-term health effects, from inconvenient headaches and backaches to long term effects on you heart and stomach. Your risks of heart attack and stroke increase under excessive long term stress and, and it can even affect sleep and memory and aggravate depression and depressive episodes. Not many people know, however, that stress can negatively impact your dental health. To learn more about the effects of stress on your dental health, read on.
Stress can have a major impact on your dental health.
Bruxism
One way that stress can negatively impact your dental health is that stress can often lead to bruxism, or tooth grinding. If you have ever found yourself clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth during stressful situations, you are not alone, and this can even turn into grinding your teeth at night if your stress is severe. If you are concerned that you might be grinding your teeth, it is important to talk to your dental care provider about getting a night guard. Tooth grinding can have a lot of effects on your dental health long term. It can cause tooth decay and sensitivity, wear down your enamel, and can even permanently damage your jaw.
Periodontal Disease
It is a well-known fact that long-term stress can negatively effect your body, mind, and health. Your teeth and dental health are not exempt. Excessive stress can weaken your immune system, which means that your body has a harder time fighting off viruses and bacteria. This makes your more susceptible to infections like gum disease.
Canker Sores
While the causes of canker sores are not definitively known, many experts think that excessive stress can trigger them, as it presents potential health consequences for every bodily system. Many people even find that they develop them under intense emotional or mental stress.
The Importance of Maintaining Dental Health Under Stress
It is very important to take steps to take care of yourself properly under immense stress, even though it can be very easy to fall into bad habits. Make sure to get the proper nutrients, stay hydrated and try to get as much sleep as possible. It is important to take time to complete activities which lessen your stress levels and relax, whether this includes meditation, a hobby, or simply taking a walk in a place you enjoy. Minimize the effects of stress on your dental health by brushing, flossing, and maintaining a consistent oral health routine.
Get In Touch With Olney Dental Today
Interested in learning more about how dentistry can make your smile happier? Call Olney Dental at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online for an appointment. And don’t forget to visit Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube to connect with us on social media.