Stress is a common problem nowadays and has a direct impact on your body. Depression, anxiety, digestive or sleep disorders, alopecia… are just some of the consequences. However, did you know that it can also affect your oral health?
It is therefore important to detect warning signs early on and understand the repercussions, as well as to stay well hydrated:
- Neglecting oral hygiene
It is essential to remember the importance of maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with the toothpaste recommended by your dentist, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. If brushing is reduced or less frequent, plaque and bacteria accumulate, increasing the risk of gum inflammation (gingivitis), tooth decay and infections.
- Bad habits
Stressful situations can lead to an increase in bad habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption, which are harmful to all aspects of oral health, including your gums and tooth enamel.
- Bruxism
It is an unconscious habit caused by stress that involves clenching or grinding your teeth. It causes erosion, wear, cracks and even fractures that can lead to toothache and pain in the muscles used for chewing. Treatment ranges from restoring teeth (fillings, reconstructions and prosthetic treatments) to root canal treatment (endodontics) and even tooth extraction (exodontia).
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Injuries
Temporomandibular disorders affect the joint between the skull and the jaw, as well as the structures that comprise it (muscles, ligaments, meniscus, and capsule). Stress, caused by clenching your teeth, is one of the causes of its onset.
- Tooth decay
When anxious, people tend to consume more sugar, ultra-processed foods and carbohydrates. This can lead to an increase in tooth decay.
- Periodontitis
Recent studies have demonstrated a link between high levels of cortisol (a hormone released during stress) in saliva and a greater tendency to suffer from periodontitis (disease of the tissues that support the teeth).
- Mouth ulcers, mouth infections, cold sores and blisters
They can appear as ulcers, white lines, or white or red patches. These conditions can arise as a result of a weakened immune system due to prolonged stress, which facilitates the proliferation of bacteria and viruses in the mouth.
- Decreased saliva
Sometimes, the use of anxiolytics causes changes in salivation. In addition, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common symptom of anxiety and can cause throat irritation, difficulty speaking or swallowing, chewing, and eating food.
If you are feeling stressed, we recommend seeking professional mental health support to identify the source and treat it. Once the causes have been identified, it is important to visit the dentist to assess and detect oral health problems early on.
Dr. Teresa Martínez
Dentistry, orthodontics and paediatric dentistry
Clínica Medentia
