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If chronic stress is part of your daily life, you will find that more than just your brain and body suffer. In fact, there’s a good chance you’re already noticing the effect it is having on your teeth and gums. Although not commonly connected to the oral cavity as a place it would negatively impact, the sad reality is that many individuals who find themselves overwhelmed and anxious about the current events in their life often neglect their oral hygiene, resulting in serious problems that require timely and costly procedures to fix. Read on to learn more about the connection between stress and dental health and what you can do to avoid it in the future.

How Stress is Linked to Your Smile

Chronic stress is known for its ability to cause depression and anxiety. As a result, your mind and body can feel as if they’re being attacked, resulting in a downward emotional and physical spiral. The events of 2020 that are still affecting the global population in 2021 may be negatively impacting you as well. But even if COVID-19 isn’t the reason for your stress, you may discover that your smile is just as much at risk as the rest of your body and brain.

When stress takes shape, your body will likely begin to produce cortisol which is a hormone that can cause your gums to become vulnerable. Not to mention, you’re desire to get up in the morning and brush your teeth, floss, and rinse (as well as before you go to bed) may dissipate, putting you at risk for many of the most common oral health problems.

If you look at all the ways stress can wreak havoc on your smile, you will find that teeth grinding (bruxism), burning mouth syndrome, TMJ/TMD, nail-biting, and gum disease are all high-risk possibilities that can leave you spending valuable time and money to fix.

Protecting Your Smile and Your Wellbeing

Because stress is capable of damaging more than just your mental and physical health, you’ll need to be proactive about managing the triggers that bring on undue anxiety and worry. You should also discuss with your dentist ways to better protect your smile. This can be accomplished by:

• Finding ways to incorporate exercise into your day
• Engaging in relaxation techniques (i.e., meditation, reading a book, taking a bath, yoga)
• Talking with a counselor about your stress
• Making oral hygiene a priority by brushing, flossing, and rinsing
• Seeing your dentist for regular preventive checkups and cleanings
• Breaking bad habits that can wear down your teeth (i.e., nail-biting, smoking, chewing ice)
• Wearing a mouthguard if you are prone to grinding or clenching your teeth

By using the right tools and techniques to minimize stress and improve your smile, you will notice a dramatic difference in the way you feel.

About the Author
Combining preventive services with tips to help patients maintain good oral health at home, Dr. Rina Singh knows what can help or hinder a smile. Graduating from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, she went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. Her extensive knowledge, training, and skill set enable her to treat all types of dental problems while offering patients valuable insight on how to improve the health of their teeth and gums as well as minimize stress. To learn more, contact us at (717) 937-8180 or visit our website.