How Does Stress Affect Your Oral Health?

When we’re stressed, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Long-term stress can cause the body to produce too many of these hormones. When this happens, they affect the body’s digestive system, cardiovascular system, and brain. Chronic stress can also lead to other serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms of Stress

When you’re stressed, your body responds by prompting the release of hormones that increase your blood pressure and heart rate. These hormones can impact your whole body, including your mouth. Try one or more of the following if you notice any of these changes in your mouth when you’re feeling stressed out:

• You develop a canker sore or other mouth infection
• You have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• Your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
• You have tooth sensitivity or pain
• You have a dry mouth
• You notice changes in your bite alignment
• Your teeth look longer because your gums are receding from stress
• Your jaw hurts due to clenching and grinding
• Your teeth are loose or shifting out of position because of stress
• You have jaw tension
• You can’t chew your food properly due to poor jaw function
• Your muscles in your cheeks and lips become tense
• You feel an uncomfortable clicking sensation when you talk

All of these symptoms can be related to stress. It’s also important to note that some of these symptoms can also be signs of other conditions, such as oral cancer or gum disease. If you are concerned about your oral health, then make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They’ll help you determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatment if necessary.

How Stress Impacts Your Oral Health

When we’re stressed, our whole body is affected. Our muscles tense up, our mind races and our body releases hormones that increase blood pressure and sugar levels in the body. This puts a lot of strain on the body, which can also impact oral health.

Some symptoms of stress from dental problems include jaw pain, headaches, clenching or grinding teeth during sleep, dry mouth, canker sores, gum recession, and even tooth discoloration due to increased acid in the mouth.

If stress is causing you to experience unexplained dental symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist for a thorough examination. They can help determine the root cause of your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan.

Of course, it’s also important to take time for yourself and practice stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, exercise, or even a hot bath. By understanding the connection between your stress levels and your oral health, you can better protect your smile from the damaging effects of stress!

To learn more or for appointments, please call us at (832) 930-7856 or visit us at 12711 Telge Rd Suite #100, Cypress, TX 77429. For more information, please email us at stonelakedentistry@gmail.com.