Excess stress may give you a headache, a stomachache, or just a
feeling of being "on edge." But too much stress could also be doing a
number on your mouth, teeth, gums, and overall health.
The potential fallout from stress and anxiety that can affect your oral health includes:
- Mouth sores, including canker sores and cold sores
- Clenching of teeth and teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating routines
- Periodontal (gum) disease or worsening of existing periodontal disease
So how can you prevent these oral health problems?
Mouth Sores
Canker sores -- small ulcers with a white or grayish base and
bordered in red -- appear inside the mouth, sometimes in pairs or even
greater numbers. Although experts aren't sure what causes them -- it
could be immune system problems, bacteria, or viruses -- they do think
that stress, as well as fatigue and allergies, can increase the risk of
getting them. Canker sores are not contagious.
Most canker sores disappear in a week to 10 days. For relief from the irritation, try over-th
e-counter topical anesthetics. To reduce irritation, don't eat spicy, hot foods or foods with a high acid content, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits.
Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes
simplex virus and are contagious. Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters
that often appear on or around the lips, but can also crop up under the
nose or around the chin area.
Emotional upset can trigger an outbreak. So can a fever, a sunburn, or skin abrasion.
Like canker sores, fever blisters often heal on their own in a
week or so. Treatment is available, including over-the-counter remedies
and prescription antiviral drugs. Ask your doctor or dentist if you
could benefit from either. It's important to start treatment as soon as
you notice the cold sore forming.
Teeth Grinding
Stress may make you clench and grind your teeth -- during the day
or at night, and often subconsciously. Teeth grinding is also known as
bruxism.
If you already clench and grind your teeth, stress could make the
habit worse. And, grinding your teeth can lead to problems with the
temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located in front of the ear where the
skull and lower jaw meet.
See your doctor and ask what can be done for the clenching and
grinding. Your dentist may recommend a night guard, worn as you sleep,
or another appliance to help you stop or minimize the actions.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Being under extreme stress may affect your mood and cause you to
skip oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
If you don't take care
of your mouth, your teeth and overall oral health can suffer. If you
already have gum disease, skipping daily hygiene may worsen the problem.
If your mouth is in relatively good health, falling short on these
healthy mouth habits can lead to gum disease or increase your risk of
cavities.
When under stress, you may also develop unhealthy eating habits,
such as snacking on large amounts of sugary foods or drinks. These
habits increase the risk for tooth decay and other problems.
Just reminding yourself of the importance of hygiene and healthy
eating may help. Boosting or resuming your exercise routine can help you
relieve stress and feel energized enough to tend to your oral hygiene
and cook healthier meals. Exercise will also boost your immune system --
and that, too, is good for your oral health.
Gum Disease
Stress can cause an increase in dental plaque, even when the high
stress levels are short-term. That's according to a study that
evaluated people who cared for loved ones with dementia and who
experienced stress.
Long-term, the stress these caregivers felt boosted their risk of
bleeding gums, or gingivitis, which can progress to serious gum
disease.
Stress can lead to depression. You can't make depression or the
stress disappear, of course. But experts say that learning healthy
coping strategies can help reduce the risk of gum problems getting
worse. Healthy coping is "problem-focused" with active and practical
strategies to deal with the stress and depression, experts say.
Remember, eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist regularly,
and good oral hygiene help reduce your risks of periodontal disease.
Make sure you brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Antibacterial
mouth rinses also help reduce plaque-causing bacteria.
Bloch Dentistry Center specializes in a wide range of dental
services including: general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening,
veneers, dental implants, root canals, periodontic treatments, and
reconstructive dentistry.
Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at
(305)385-5555 or visit our web
site at http://
www.BlochDentistry.com. We want to
see you smile!
Some people think tooth decay is just for children, but did you know you are at risk your whole life? Dental infections that are left untreated can even spread to other parts of the body and, in very rare cases, can be life threatening.
