No doubt most of us have been caught in the rush of life. We come and go, and always seem to have something scheduled next. Doctors have warned us that stress can severely affect our bodies, and the mouth is no exception. A stressful lifestyle can have a significant impact on oral health. When we experience stress, our bodies produce increased levels of a defense hormone called cortisol. The presence of this hormone regulates the immune and digestive systems, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections and making the mouth more vulnerable to several oral health problems. Here are the most common ways stress can impact oral health.
- Stress is the number one cause for bruxism, a destructive behavior that appears when the patient sleeps. It manifests in unconsciously grinding or clenching teeth. The force employed is often tremendous and can cause tooth fracture, tooth wear, and severe headaches or earaches. If left unaddressed, bruxism can destroy tooth enamel and the only way to restore them s through a full mouth restoration with either crowns or fixed dentures. Wearing a nightguard every night can protect your teeth from the damage of bruxism.
- Stress can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections, including those in the mouth. This increases the risk of gum disease, a bacterial infection resulting from the accumulation of plaque beneath the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. It is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine to prevent gum disease, especially if you are in a stressful period in your life.
- Stress can lead to the development of canker sores and viral and fungal infections. Also linked to a depleted immune system, canker sores, type 1 herpes and thrush commonly appear when cortisol levels are high. While not dangerous, these are uncomfortable and can cause difficulty eating, speaking or drinking. They will typically disappear on their own within one or two weeks and need only topical, over-the-counter treatments.
- Stress can cause neglect of our personal oral hygiene. During stressful periods we are not typically worried about ourselves. For this reason, it is common to neglect our appearance, our health and our personal interests. However, when we neglect our daily oral care and fail to brush and floss regularly, the accumulation of plaque and bacteria can cause cavities, bad breath, and gum problems, all of which are important dental problems. Do not skip your daily cleaning routine or your semestral professional cleanings.
- Stress can cause TMJ disorders. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint dysfunction. It involves pain in the jaw joint and the muscles related to jaw movement. Although there are many causes for TMJ, tension in the jaw area is one of the most common. This can be further exacerbated when paired with bruxism and involuntary jaw clenching.
- Stress can lead to changes in your eating and lifestyle habits. It is common to crave for sugary and processed foods when undergoing stress. While there may be various chemical explanations for this, the fact remains that poor nutrition can contribute to the development of cavities. In addition, stress-coping mechanisms like tobacco use can stain your teeth, slow recovery from any dental procedure and even lead to bone loss.
Stress affects oral health in a variety of ways, from physical issues to behavioral changes. It has been established that stressful lifestyles are often accompanied by health problems. At the Costa Rica Dental Team, we know going to the dentist may not be exactly your favorite activity. However, since we are located in beautiful Costa Rica, we always encourage our patients to make a vacation from their visit. Visit volcanoes and rivers, hike through the tropical rainforest or relax on the beach. Costa Rica has something for everyone and is an ideal place to unwind and relax while getting quality dental care. We are a dental office located in San Jose, Costa Rica, and we treat patients visiting from all over the world. With 15 years’ experience in full mouth restorations and dental implants, you will be in expert hands. Contact us now to find out more about our clinic, our state-of-the-art dental lab, and our concierge services.
