Did you know that the stress you've been enduring at work could contribute to that canker sore you're suffering from? It's true! Stress negatively impacts your body and often manifests in your mouth or through your oral health. Here's what you should know.
How Stress Shows Up In Your Oral Health
Feeling stressed without finding healthy ways to cope with it can manifest in several ways that impact dental health.
- Headaches — Frequent headaches or migraines are often a result of stress.
- Canker sores — Lesions or sores in your mouth can develop due to stress.
- Teeth grinding — Also called bruxism, grinding and clenching teeth at night while you sleep is often caused by stress.
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) — Stress contributes to jaw clenching, grinding, and pain, which can be a factor of TMD.
- Tooth wear or damage — Clenching and grinding your teeth can wear, break down, damage, or fracture them.
- Gum disease — Stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to problems like gum disease.
Stress Management Tips and Suggestions
Finding healthy treatments and techniques to cope with and eliminate stress is essential for good oral health and overall well-being. Here are some tips for managing stress with healthy coping techniques:
- Use relaxation techniques — Yoga and meditation can help reduce stress. Many free resources are available online to help with these activities.
- Eat healthy and nutritious foods — Healthy eating boosts your body's immune system, gives you energy, and can help you manage stress.
- Get enough sleep — 7 to 9 hours of sound sleep each night increases energy and clear thinking.
- Connection — Connecting with friends and family can help reduce your stress level.
Consistent preventive teeth cleanings and checkups with your Brandon dentist every six months will help protect your oral health. Contact Walker & Barr, DMD, at (813) 689-5928 if it's time for your next dental appointment.