How Mental Health Impacts Oral Health
Did you know that your mental health can affect your oral health? It’s easy to understand how brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, you might not realize that your emotional well-being can also affect your teeth and gums. Chronic stress, depression, and anxiety can affect oral health in various ways, and it’s essential to consider mental health in oral health care. Keep reading to learn more about the connection between mental health and oral health. Stress and Oral Health Stress and anxiety are common mental health challenges that affect many people globally. Stress can make your heart rate increase, breathing shallow, and blood pressure spike, leading to clenching and grinding of teeth. When an excess amount of the stress hormone cortisol is found in the mouth, you’re more susceptible to chronic diseases, including gum disease.2 It has also been proven to contribute to: Inflammation […]
COVID-19 Stress and Oral Health
It is currently a stressful time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies show that stress not only harms your overall health, but it can harm your oral health as well. Reducing stress is important to maintaining a healthy smile and good oral health. Stress has been shown to contribute to the following oral health conditions: Bruxism (teeth grinding) Dry mouth Canker sores Tooth decay Gum disease Here are some good ways to help keep your whole mouth healthy, while you work to lower your stress levels. Stay on track with your oral health routine. Always brush two times each day for two minutes, floss once daily and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and exams to lessen your risk for cavities or gum disease. Get plenty of sleep, stay active and try relaxation techniques, like meditation, to help you de-stress. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake and eat a well-balanced diet […]
Stress and Oral Health
April can be a stressful time as Tax Day quickly approaches. Studies show that stress not only harms your overall health, but it can harm your oral health as well. Reducing stress is important to maintaining a healthy smile and good oral health. Stress has been shown to contribute to the following oral health conditions: Bruxism (teeth grinding) Dry mouth Canker sores Tooth decay Gum disease Here are some good ways to help keep your whole mouth healthy, while you work to lower your stress levels. Talk to your dentist if you wake up with headaches or experience frequent jaw pain. You may clench or grind your teeth during your sleep. Your dentist may recommend the use of a night guard to help protect your teeth from breaking, chipping or being worn down. Stay on track with your oral health routine. Always brush two times each day for two minutes, […]
