Stress is a normal part of life, and everyone experiences stress. It's how we handle it that makes a difference to our overall health. Being under chronic stress can affect your oral health in multiple ways.

When you're stressed, your body releases a cascade of hormones and chemicals that can adversely affect your oral and overall health. It's important to understand how stress can damage your smile so you can take steps to protect your teeth and gums. Here's how stress can affect your oral health:

Gum disease: Bacteria associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream, leading to serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. In fact, experts estimate that up to 70% of systemic diseases have oral manifestations. If you're experiencing chronic stress, you may be more susceptible to gum infections as well.

Tooth decay: Poor diet and oral hygiene may be more likely when you're stressed, which can result in cavities and tooth decay. Increased cortisol production can lead to dry mouth, which can increase your risk of tooth decay.

Jaw pain: When you're stressed, the muscles in your face can become tense. This can cause jaw pain that makes it difficult to eat or open your mouth wide. You may also grind your teeth at night while you're sleeping, causing further tension and pain in your jaw.

Dry mouth: When under stress, you may also experience symptoms of dry mouth. Saliva consists of minerals and other compounds that protect your teeth from bacteria and decay, as well as neutralize acids in your mouth that cause enamel erosion. Without saliva to do these things, you can suffer severe tooth sensitivity and even tooth loss.

At our practice, we can help you avoid these effects of stress on your oral health with preventive treatments designed to keep your gums and teeth healthy. 

Manage Your Stress

The best way to cope with the stress of daily life is to find ways to relax. Try meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even journaling to help you reduce stress. You can also find healthy ways to cope with daily stressors, like exercising to burn off excess energy and frustration or taking a long bath at night before bed to allow for plenty of relaxation time. If you've tried these things and still find yourself feeling anxious on a daily basis, consider reaching out to a therapist to talk about managing stress through therapy or medication.

At Sunset Oak Dental, Dr. Volki Felahy provides numerous dental procedures. To learn more, call our office at 916-435-5111 or visit us at 2161 Sunset Blvd #300, Rocklin, CA 95765.