High Amounts of Stress Can Negatively Impact Your Oral Health

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), most Americans experience stress levels that are considered unhealthy. Typically when people think of the effects high levels of stress can have on their health, they think of their cardiovascular system, not their oral health. However, high levels of stress can cause mild to severe problems in the mouth, teeth, and gums. In this post, we will look at some common oral health problems that come from high levels of stress.

Sores in the mouth

While the exact cause of canker sores has not been definitively determined, there is a clear, direct correlation between high levels of stress and mouths breaking out with painful sores and blisters. It's also common for canker sores to create an immune response which results in severely swollen neck glands that cause neck, jaw, and tooth pain.

Clenching and grinding teeth

People who are stressed often clench or grind their teeth without even knowing they're doing it or how often they're doing it. The clenching and grinding often occurs during sleep which makes it even more difficult to recognize. A mouth guard may be necessary for those with high stress levels to protect their teeth while they sleep.

Poor eating habits and hygiene

It's common for people to use food to cope when they're stressed, and for most people it’s an extremely sweet dessert or soda filled with sugar they crave. This can cause tooth decay and overall feelings of lethargy. Stress also preoccupies the mind and may result in people taking less time to brush and floss their teeth.

At Portage Lakes Dentistry in Portage, we know how important your oral health is to your overall health and well being. Unfortunately, time and time again we see oral health being overlooked as a part of overall wellness. If you have been looking for a trusted and experienced family dentist in Portage, do not hesitate to contact us today.