Stress And Its Effect On Oral Health

Now that October is here, many of our patients are already thinking about the upcoming holiday season. While the holidays bring joy for many, they can also be a source of stress. Stress can arise from many aspects of our daily lives, such as work, family obligations, financial concerns, and more. You may be surprised to learn that stress can negatively impact your oral health. We’d like to share some common ways that stress can affect your teeth, gums, and mouth:

Clenching and Grinding
It is not uncommon for those with high-stress levels to clench and grind their teeth. This habit involves applying intense pressure to your teeth and moving your jaw back and forth. The constant friction can cause premature wear of the enamel and may even lead to cracks in the teeth. Many people are unaware they have this habit, as it often occurs during sleep.

Dry Mouth
When your heart rate increases and your breathing becomes faster, you may experience dry mouth. You may notice this when you are exercising and your mouth feels dry. Dry mouth occurs when there is insufficient saliva production, which is essential for removing food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Without enough saliva, you’re more prone to tooth decay. If you’re experiencing dry mouth, we encourage you to increase your water intake.

Canker Sores
Mouth sores are another common issue that is found in those who have high stress levels. Some individuals tend to chew on the inside of their mouths during stressful times, leading to the development of canker sores. These sores can be quite painful and can make it difficult to eat, drink, or even speak. Canker sores are typically white or yellow in the middle with red around the edges. They usually heal within one to two weeks.

If you’re concerned about your oral health or need an oral hygiene examination and cleaning, we recommend contacting our office in Wellington, FL to schedule an appointment.