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Did you know that stress can also affect your oral health? In fact, a medical study confirms this, as it was found that individuals with greater perceived stress have poor oral health. As we look deeper into this, look into better managing your stress and seeking professional oral care to keep your teeth in check.
This article will help you better understand how stress affects different aspects of your oral health. We will also go over possible solutions that you can consider the next time stress takes its toll on your oral health. Your goal here is to value your mental and oral health as vital aspects of your wellbeing.
Develop an unhealthy habit of nail-biting
When you are stressed out, you may have the tendency to bite on your fingernails. This is a common coping mechanism for sufferers of stress. As a result, biting your nails can damage your teeth, as the enamel wears away and dirt can easily make its way into your body. This can allow cavities to easily develop.
A study finds that nail-biting is not only a coping mechanism but also connected to perfectionism. With this in mind, learn to distance yourself from your work momentarily to keep your stress under control. Instead of biting your nails, channel your stress into more productive activities, like sports and meditation. This will allow you to keep your teeth and mental wellbeing in check.
Have dry mouth
Besides developing negative coping mechanisms, your body can also react negatively to stress. In the case of your mouth, it can produce less saliva. This is more commonly known as dry mouth. It is a condition wherein the mouth produces less saliva, which then allows oral bacteria to grow faster. They can hide in your teeth and further damage them.
Aside from managing your stress, remember to go to your dentist to have your mouth cleaned. Doing so will remove the harmful bacteria and plaque from your mouth. You also need to drink plenty of water to ensure that the oral bacteria are flushed out.
More vulnerable to gum disease
Stress impacts your immune system negatively, which allows oral bacteria to fester in your gums and develop into periodontal disease. This also allows plaque to build in your teeth, which can lead to other implications on your personal health, as you will also find it harder to chew and digest food.
Consult with your local dentist about the proper techniques of brushing and flossing your teeth to ensure that no harmful bacteria can stick to your gums. To avoid gum disease, seek preventive dentistry immediately. They can professionally advise you on possible preventative measures to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
More likely to forget brushing and flossing
Stress can easily make you tired and forget about brushing and flossing your teeth. You are also more likely to do these improperly because you just want to rest. Neglecting proper brushing and flossing will allow cavities and bacteria to destroy your teeth easily. Stress also affects your oral health’s immune response.
Take care of your stress by seeing a psychiatrist to better unpack your anxiety and learn about stress management. This will also allow you to take care of your teeth in the process. Don’t forget to seek professional dental care to ensure your oral health is well-maintained.
Conclusion
Your mental state can have a considerable effect on your oral health and vice-versa, so take care of both to keep yourself healthy. Take control of your stress to better manage your oral health and wellbeing today!
Are you in need of a professional local dentist in Ann Arbor and Waterford? Book your next dental appointment with us at Dental House MI. We can provide you with affordable dentistry services and advanced dental technology to better your oral health. Take advantage of stress-free oral care today!
