We all deal with stress — whether we work full-time, go to college, or stay at home with the kids. Juggling work, kids, family, friends, appointments and errands just stresses us out. And stress can have a very negative effect on our oral and overall health.
If we don’t take time to slow down and care for our personal needs, experts agree that our health can suffer. Below are four main consequences that stress can cause to your oral health.
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- Mouth sores – canker sores and cold sores both can occur in and around your mouth. Stress is believed to be a major trigger to sores. Canker sores are not contagious, but cold sores are.
- Grinding your teeth while sleeping – this often happens unconsciously and can happen both while sleeping and while awake. Clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth may contribute to a jaw problem at some point.
- Poor oral hygiene and a poor diet – The busy days sometimes pass in the blink of an eye. If you are not taking the time to care for your teeth and gums, you could develop oral health problems. Eating right also contributes to healthy teeth.
- Gum disease – there have been studies done that suggest a high level of stress increases dental plaque, even if the stress is short term.[1]
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For more information about how stress affects your oral health, click here.
If you want to avoid these problems, slow down and smell the roses! Or try one of these de-stressing tips. You’ll thank yourself later.
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- Forgive someone
- Open the window
- Get some flowers
- Kiss someone
- Take a time out
- Stretch
- Workout
- Go outside
- Watch a movie
- Play a game
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Do you have other ways to de-stress? We’d love to hear them — leave us tips in the comments.
[1] “Relationship Between Stress, Depression and Periodontal Disease.” By A.M. M. Iacopino. Journal of the Canadian Dental Association. June 2009, vol. 75, no. 5, pp. 329-30.
