Stress is a normal physiological reaction that occurs in our body. Stress is a normal part of life, and it cannot be avoided. However, it can have an adverse impact on our overall health, including oral health.

Stress Affecting Oral Health

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, “Many people grind or clench their teeth during sleep without even being aware of it.” This habit, called bruxism, causes teeth to become worn, broken, or even lost over time. The condition also often results in headaches and jaw pain.

In addition to being harmful to your teeth, grinding at night can also affect your sleep cycle and cause additional stress and tension. If left untreated, bruxism can also cause painful TMJ disorders. To treat this condition, your dentist may recommend a custom-made nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep. Nightguards can also be made to treat TMJ disorders.

Periodontal disease is a common side effect of stress as well; in fact, one study by the Academy of General Dentistry showed that periodontal disease often presents the first symptom of chronic stress. Fortunately, you can reduce your risk of developing gum disease by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating a well-balanced diet, and visiting your dentist twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning.

The Link Between Stress and Oral Health

There are several studies that suggest a link between stress and your oral health. For example, one found that students under high stress had increased plaque levels and higher incidents of gingivitis. Another study found that women who had a high level of anxiety during their pregnancy were more likely to have gum disease issues during their next pregnancy. And another study showed similar findings regarding the relationship between levels of stress and periodontal disease. All of these studies point toward the importance of managing and reducing stress levels in order to improve your dental health. Here are a few tips for doing so:

• Practice relaxation techniques. This could mean anything from meditation to deep breathing to yoga. Whatever you find helpful, practice it regularly. This will help you reduce your overall stress levels and may be able to help you manage or prevent some oral health problems.
• Spend time in nature. Going for walks outside, visiting a local park or lake, or even just stepping outside to enjoy some fresh air can all help reduce your overall stress levels. Nature has been shown to promote stress relief and relaxation. So consider getting outdoors for some quiet time whenever you can.
• Get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep can make you feel stressed, which can actually lead to poor oral health since being tired can lead to a lack of proper oral hygiene. So if you often find yourself feeling tired and stressed out, as a result, try to work on getting more shut eyes at night. It’s easier than you might think!
• Manage your time well. When you’re rushing around from one activity to the next, it’s easy to feel stressed out. Consider developing a better approach to managing your time and prioritizing tasks in order to reduce how much pressure you feel on a regular basis.
• Don’t forget the health benefits of laughter. Laughter isn’t just fun — it actually has health benefits too. In fact, laughing can help lower your heart rate, reduce stress, and even help your immune system

To learn more about ways to tackle stress affecting oral health, call Tijuana Dental Studio at (619) 955-6901 (USA) or (664) 685-6460 (Mexico). You can also visit us at Calle Quinta, Zona Centro, Tijuana Baja California 7974.