How to Keep Stress from Destroying Your Oral Health

Stress is a widespread problem among adults all across the world. It is a major contributing factor in many diseases and health conditions. The decline of oral health as one grows older can also be associated with stress.

Stressing about stress is stressful! However, it is important to know how it affects you and how you can fight the problem. The first and foremost step is to try to lower your stress levels. Meanwhile, you can follow these tips to cope with oral health problems like mouth sores and teeth grinding.

Sores in Your Mouth

Canker sores

These types of sores have white/greyish base with red borders. These tiny sores appear inside your mouth in pairs or in groups. Though the actual cause of canker sores is still unknown, experts believe that it is related to problems with your immune system, or due to bacteria or viruses. Stress likely increases the risk of getting them.

Treatment: Canker sores can be irritating. Avoid eating spicy, hot, or acidic foods (like tomatoes or citrus fruits). They usually disappear within a week or 10 days.

For relief, you can try an over-the-counter "numbing" ointment or paste that you can directly apply on the sore. If canker sores frequently shows up in your mouth, your flushing dentist might prescribe a steroid ointment.

Cold sores

Cold sores or fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus. These blisters are filled with fluid and usually appear on and around your lips, nose, or chin. When you feel upset or stressful, it can spread very quickly.

Treatment: Cold sores, like canker sores, also disappear on their own within a week or so. However, you should start the treatment as soon as possible, because there is a high risk of spreading the virus that causes cold sores to other people.

Consult a doctor or a dentist to determine whether you should take any over-the-counter medicines or antiviral drugs.

Teeth Grinding

Stress may make you clench and grind your teeth subconsciously. Clenching and grinding of teeth can happen during the day or at night, often without your realizing it.

If you already clench and grind your teeth as a habit, stress could worsen this habit. It can cause complication in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) which is located in front of your ear where the skull meets your lower jaw.

Treatment: Your dentist may ask you to wear a night guard during sleep that will help you stop or reduce your grinding. You can also try to keep your jaws apart when you're not eating.

Poor Cleaning Habits

Extreme stress can affect your mood and disrupt your oral care habits like brushing, flossing, and rinsing, thereby increasing the risk of cavities or gum disease.

Being stressed out can lead to unhealthy eating habits, like heavy consumption of sugary foods or drinks, increasing the risk of tooth decay. It can also lead to gum disease.

Treatment: The obvious thing to do is to remind yourself that maintaining good oral habits and eating healthy can decrease the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Brush and floss the recommended amount of time and use antibacterial mouth rinse regularly.

Adopting a regular exercise routine can also reduce stress, increase your energy levels, and motivate you to eat healthier.