Stress And The Effect On Oral Health

Do you have high levels of stress in your life? We know many things can lead to higher stress. You may be surprised to learn that stress can affect not only your overall health but your oral health as well. We want to share some ways your stress level may be harming your teeth and mouth:

Grinding and Clenching
It is common for people who experience high levels of stress to clench and grind their teeth. Many people are not aware that they have this habit because it often happens during sleep. Our team can determine whether you are clenching and grinding your teeth by looking at the tooth enamel on your rear molars. People who do this often have signs of premature wear and tear. It can eventually lead to problems such as cracked enamel and the need for treatments like dental crowns or dental implants.

Dry Mouth
When your heart rate is elevated and your breathing rate increases, similar to when exercising, you may experience dry mouth, a condition in which your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva. This can lead to problems such as dental decay and gum disease. To help with the effects of dry mouth, we encourage patients to drink as much water as possible to add moisture to the mouth and help remove lingering food and bacteria.

Canker Sores
If you chew on the inside of your cheek or lip when you are stressed, there is a good chance you may develop a canker sore, an irritation in the mouth that can appear red, white, or yellow. It is extremely uncomfortable and can make it difficult to eat and speak. Canker sores typically heal in one to two weeks.

If you are concerned about your oral health due to stress or you need an oral hygiene examination and cleaning, we recommend contacting our office located in Meridian, ID to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you soon!