Can Stress Affect Your Oral Health?

Can Stress Affect Your Oral Health?

We all know what it feels like to be stressed. It can feel like everything might be spiraling out of your control. It can also affect how you interact with other people and your productivity levels at work or in school. There can be physically seen signs of excessive stress and anxiety, such as tension in the jaw and neck. Your teeth are also affected by your emotions.

What Are the Common Causes of Stress?

We experience stress every day, and for many different reasons. Being stressed can negatively impact your oral and overall health. Some common causes of stress include:

  • Weight gain
  • Headaches
  • Toothaches
  • Poor sleep habits
  • Anxiety attacks and panic attacks
  • Smoking tobacco cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco products like chew or dip

How Does Stress Affect Your Oral Health?

Chronic stress can cause a number of issues for your body, including headaches, muscle pain, and high blood pressure. But did you know it can also negatively affect your smile? Here are some of the ways chronic stress can affect your oral health:

Dry mouth: When you’re stressed, you might forget to drink water or skip brushing your teeth. This can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, as well as bad breath.

Teeth grinding: Stress can make some people grind their teeth at night. This can lead to worn teeth, chronic jaw pain, and even tooth loss.

Unhealthy habits: You might opt for junk food when stressed out instead of eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. This can also increase your risk of tooth decay.

Bad breath: When your mouth gets dry from stress, it can throw off the balance of your oral bacteria, leading to an increase in odor-causing germs.

When you feel extreme levels of stress, you might grind your teeth. This can lead to worn teeth and tooth fractures. In some cases, the grinding can occur at night while you are sleeping. This can wear down your teeth over time and cause pain. If you are experiencing any dental problems that are causing you to stress, our dentist in Mankato, MN, can help you find a solution. Call our office to schedule your next appointment with us.

We at Vose Family Dentistry provide the best dental treatment for patients to improve the appearance of their smiles. Call us at (507) 387-2255 to schedule an appointment. 

Vose Family Dentistry

220 E Main St., Mankato, MN 56001

Phone: (507) 387-2255

Email: Vosedds@hickorytech.net

MON - THU : 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

FRI - SUN : Closed