Stress can affect many aspects of your life. It can affect your mood, your sleep, and your eating habits. Stress can also have a negative impact on your oral health. Stress can directly impact your oral health in a variety of ways. A certain amount of stress is normal, but too much can impact your overall health and wellness. Not only can it cause long-term health problems, but it can also impact your physical appearance as well.

There are a number of ways that stress affects your oral health.

How Stress Affects Your Health

If you experience a lot of stress, you’re more likely to have oral health problems. For example, studies have shown that people who suffer from chronic stress are more susceptible to gum disease and have an increased risk of cavities. Additionally, those who suffer from chronic anxiety are more likely to grind their teeth. This can cause issues with tooth wear and TMJ disorders.

While it can be hard to avoid stressful situations altogether, there are ways of coping with them that can help keep your oral health intact. Regular exercise can help you manage stress and has been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of periodontal diseases. Make sure to get a good night’s rest every night as well. If you’re having trouble sleeping because of stress or other factors, consider using oral devices to prevent grinding. You’ll want to visit your dentist regularly as well so he or she can monitor the health of your teeth and identify any issues early on.

There are a number of reasons that people feel stressed, but the most common are work and family responsibilities. When people are feeling stressed, they usually have problems sleeping and may be grinding their teeth while they sleep. This can create a number of dental issues, including worn teeth or cracked teeth, which can make biting painful. People also tend to clench their jaw when they are stressed, which can lead to TMJ disorder, a condition that attacks the joints and muscles that connect your lower jaw to your skull. Over time this can lead to arthritis of the joint and significant discomfort. Stress can also contribute to gum disease, so it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits when you are stressed. In addition to practicing good hygiene and seeing your dentist when you notice any new symptoms, make sure to follow a healthy diet. A well-balanced diet is important for your overall health as well as your oral health. Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Avoid sugary foods and drinks as much as possible since these contribute to tooth decay and increase the risk of cavities.

To learn more, visit our Daniel Tebbi, D.M.D. office at 16661 Ventura Blvd Ste 620, Encino, CA 91436, which is quite close to Sherman Oaks 91403, 91495, 91423, Studio City 91604, Van Nuys 91436, 91411, and Reseda 91335. You can also reach us at (818) 789-2034.