Another reason to visit your dentist regularly
Stress is a very common complaint in the modern world and this is troubling because it’s linked to a number of problems and diseases. You probably already know that stress can contribute to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, mental health issues and certain types of cancer, but you probably don’t know that it can also negatively impact your oral health in a number of ways.
Stress and Bad Habits
If you’re stressed you might feel as if you don’t have the time to look after yourself. This can result in lifestyle habits that will directly impact your oral health. Some of the most damaging habits that result from stress are:
Poor eating habits
If you’re stressed, it might be tempting to reach for comfort foods. Unfortunately, these types of foods are usually high in sugar or fat. This will not only affect your waistline, it will also impact your oral health. The sugar in food contributes to tooth decay and cavities, which is why you need to be aware of what you eat if you want your mouth to stay healthy.
Bruxism
If you’re stressed, you’re more likely to grind your teeth or clench your jaw while you sleep. This is known as bruxism and it can wear down the enamel on your teeth, cause your teeth to chip, or do damage to your jaw muscles. The damage caused by this bad habit can be permanent, so if you think that you’re grinding your teeth at night then you need to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Poor dental habits
Do you ever skip brushing your teeth at the end of a long day because you’re tired? Do you put off flossing because you just don’t have the time? These simple habits are absolutely vital to your oral health and yet it’s easy to forget them when you’re busy. And this can result in cavities, decay and gum disease.
Neglecting appointments
If you don’t have enough time for everything you need to do, your dental appointments are probably one of the first things you remove from your list. It can be difficult to take time out of your schedule every six months to see your dentist, but it’s also essential for your oral health. Your dentist can identify any signs of a dental problem before it becomes a big problem and give your teeth a really good clean. And if you want to avoid serious problems such as toothaches, gingivitis, cavities and infection, this is the best way to do it.
Stress and Your Body
Stress can cause changes in your body that will negatively impact your oral health. Some of these changes include:
Hormonal imbalances
Certain hormonal imbalances can cause dry mouth. This encourages the growth of plaque and can result in more cavities as well as general discomfort in the mouth and tongue.
Decreased immunity
Stress depresses your immune system, which can result in more infections throughout your body. This can cause mouth ulcers, which can be very painful and make it more difficult for you to keep your mouth and teeth clean. Mouth ulcers can also be slow to heal, particularly if your immune system is really struggling.
Slower healing
If you’re stressed then it can decrease your ability to heal. As a result, you may experience infections or mouth sores that just won’t go away. And if you have a dental procedure during this time, you will probably heal less efficiently and be more susceptible to infection.
The Takeaway
Stress is a very common complaint in the modern world. If you experience stress, whether because of your lifestyle or because of dental fear, then you need to be aware of how this could impact your dental health.
Here at Emergency Dentist Sydney, our staff specialise in helping anxious patients face and overcome their dental stress. We’ll help improve your oral health and work with you to ensure that you have the most pleasant and stress free dental experience possible.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If you have a dental emergency, contact our Emergency Dentist in Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available 24 hours a day to help you with all your emergency dental needs.