It seems it can be challenging to live a low stress life these days and it is known that stress weakens the immune system and so it begs the question: How does stress impact my oral health? Truth is…. it is almost impossible to live a life without stress so it is important to know how it impacts the body.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA) stress can be broken down into two major groups: acute stress and chronic stress . Acute and chronic stresses have systemic manifestations although it is chronic stress that causes worrisome effects on oral health.
Acute stress is what we deal with on a day to day basis.
It originates from sources of pressure in our daily lives that are recent pressures or anticipated future demands. Our body can usually readily cope with this kind of stress as the body will release hormones to help deal with the situation at hand.
For example, you almost get into a car accident on your way to work and suddenly your heart is racing and you are feeling hyper aware of events around you and are experiencing an adrenaline rush! This can also be considered short term stress and because of this it doesn’t have enough time to do the extensive damage associated with long-term (chronic) stress.
Systemic effects of acute stress include temporary emotional distress (anxiety, anger, irritability), muscular (tension headaches, back pain), and GI problems.
Chronic stress is repeated exposure to situations that lead to the release of stress hormones.
This brand of stress is what leads to the wear and tear on not just the mind but the body as well.
Researchers theorize that our stress response system was not meant to be constantly activated which could lead to the breakdown of body health.
Chronic stress is a slow grating stress like being in an unhappy marriage, living in a state of poverty, or being stuck in despised job. This can lead to more long term systemic and oral health issues due to unhealthy lifestyle habits stemming from chronic stress.
Systemic effects of chronic stress include heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Researchers have solidified a link between stress and the development of dental diseases. They have found that people who are under chronic stress have a tendency to neglect their oral health further leading them into dental problems. When someone has a lot going on it is not always a priority to brush and floss properly.
For example, when living in a state of poverty daily survival is more important to that person. Being in an unhappy marriage can lead a person to be depressed and to have feelings of hopelessness making daily self care harder to perform.
Effects of Chronic Stress on Oral Health
- Periodontal/Gum disease
- Canker sores
- Poor brushing and flossing habits
- Dry mouth
- Burning mouth syndrome
- TMJ/TMD
Unfortunately, it is not always easy or feasible to eliminate stress from our lives but we can develop positive coping strategies to help alleviate daily stress.
If you are experiencing any form of stress it is important to provide a little bit of “self love”.
Even when life is busy make taking care of your body a priority. It is okay to put yourself first if you need to! In fact you should because when you keep your body healthy you are better able to tackle the day to day stresses.
How to Reduce Effects of Stress
- Healthy eating habits
- Exercise (Boosts the immune system!)
- Meditation
- Getting adequate sleep
- Therapy (problem focused)
Some of these suggestions may seem obvious but that is exactly why they are most often overlooked when someone is under stress. If you are struggling with chronic stress speak to your Physician about healthy coping strategies or ask for a referral to speak with a therapist to help alleviate the stress you are experiencing.
If you are concerned that stress is or could be effecting your teeth and gums seek the advice of your Hygienist or Dentist who can evaluate your oral health. If you have noticed any of the oral effects listed above there are ways your dental family can help you get back on track! As always be kind to yourself and never feel bad for taking the time to care for your body and mind.
Have additional questions about how stress can impact your oral health or how we can help you improve your smile and your confidence? Don’t hesitate to Contact Us or leave a reply below and we will be happy to try and answer them for you!
