If you have been feeling stressed or anxious, it may be impacting the health or appearance of your smile. The good news is that once you learn about the impacts of chronic stress, you can take steps to protect your health and overall wellbeing. Keep reading to learn more from our Mill Valley dentists about the ways that stress can manifest when it comes to oral health…
Dental Grinding
Patients of all ages tend to grind their teeth and clench their jaws in times of stress. This can even happen at night, as unresolved tension manifests when you are sleep. Unfortunately, this puts an immense amount of pressure on your natural dental enamel, and over time it can lead to dental chips and fracture.
Dry Mouth
Being suddenly struck with a dry mouth can actually be a sign of the sympathetic nervous response—the same sensation as “flight or fight.” Some people who are medicated for anxiety also discover that cry mouth is a common side effect of many medications. Unfortunately, dry mouth puts you at an increased risk of developing a host of oral health problems, including periodontal disease and dental caries.
Lapses in Oral Hygiene
It can feel particularly difficult to care for ourselves and keep up with our routines in times of stress and struggle. You may find that your smile looks duller or yellower than it once did, or that it’s getting more difficult to maintain fresh breath. All of these are signs that you may want to re-examine your oral hygiene plan and make some necessary adjustments.
If you think that stress is currently affecting your oral health, our Mill Valley dentists are here to help you regain a healthy and strong smile. The easiest way to get started is to give our office a call to schedule a consultation. You can also always use our Contact Us page to reach out to our team!