Stress is the body’s natural response to difficult or threatening situations. Although the effects of stress on mental and physical health are well documented, its impact on oral health often goes unnoticed. However, stress also affects overall dental health and oral hygiene practices.
In Spain, nearly 60% of people claimed to have stress problems, especially among young people aged between 18 and 24, who are the ones with the worst mental state, according to data from the AXA Group’s International Mental Health Study published by the General Council of Psychology (INFOCOP).
Untangling stress and oral health
Studies conducted by the National Library of Medicine indicate that stress contributes to poor oral health, often in combination with other chronic diseases. The American Institute of Stress has also discovered a strong link between gum disease and poor mental health. These manifestations can range from stress-related dental problems from teeth grinding and jaw clenching to more serious conditions such as cavities.
What are stress-related oral diseases? As Almudena Herraez, Dentist and Orthodontist, tells us, one of the most common diseases is bruxism, “a dysfunction consisting of clenching or grinding of the teeth, either at night or during the day, causing muscle and joint pain (pain, blockage, noise or restriction of opening), wear and possible cracks or fractures of the teeth.”
Stress and anxiety are important causes of this condition, which causes people to unconsciously grind their teeth, especially during sleep. They do this, according to data from the Spanish Society of Craniomaxillofacial Dysfunction and Orofacial Pain (SEDCYDO), between 20% and 30% of the adult population.
Stress also has complex and harmful effects on the immune system. “Stress can increase cortisol and reduce local immunity, which can cause recurrent canker sores and delay healing after dental surgery treatments (tooth extractions, dental implants, or periodontal treatments),” Herraez explains.
Stress can therefore impair the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases, including gum disease. In more serious cases, “sensorineural manifestations may also occur, such as neuralgia, or psychosomatic manifestations, that is, when the patient feels pain or tooth sensitivity for no apparent reason,” warns the orthodontist.
Stress and poor food choices: a vicious cycle
Besides direct physiological effects, stress affects oral health through behavioral changes such as poor oral hygiene. During periods of stress, maintaining regular oral hygiene routines can be a challenge. This neglect allows plaque to accumulate, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Stress also often leads to increased consumption of sugary foods and acidic drinks, as well as foods rich in carbohydrates. According to a study published in the International Journal of Gastronomy Research, the general trend is that people exposed to stress reduce their intake of foods low in saturated fat and prefer to eat foods high in unhealthy fats. These dietary changes create an oral environment conducive to tooth decay and erosion.
Some people may increase the use of tobacco or alcohol as coping mechanisms, both of which have a negative impact on oral health. Excessive caffeine or alcohol intake can dry out the mouth and reduce saliva production, increasing the likelihood of bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
When should we go to the dentist?
There are some warning signs that tell us that it is time to go to the specialist. These signs, according to Herraez, are “if we feel pain in the jaw or excessive muscle load in the facial or cervical area, or when we notice tooth wear or sensitivity, or when fillings, crowns, or veneers break for no apparent reason.”
It’s also important to pay attention to other signs such as “muscle tension when waking up or feeling overloaded, or if we notice more and more tooth wear or increasingly smaller teeth,” Herraez warns. “If we have widespread pain or a sensation of pressure in the molars or premolars, the ideal situation is to go to the dentist to avoid dental fractures or cracks and to avoid contractures,” Herez continues.
How do we protect oral and dental health from being affected by stress?
Recognizing the signs of stress and adopting strategies to manage them is essential to maintaining good oral health. Therefore, preventing stress-related oral health problems requires more than just brushing and flossing. By addressing the root causes of stress and maintaining consistent oral hygiene habits, you can reduce your risk of complications and maintain healthy teeth.
Daily stress management plays a vital role in protecting oral health and this can be effective through physical activity or relaxation techniques. “The first thing of all is to improve our habits, and this can include everything from preventing poor sleep to avoiding pressure on the chin, impact on the jaw and joints; as well as maintaining correct cervical position to avoid muscle overload,” Herraez advises.
While oral hygiene is often the first routine to be overlooked when life gets stressful, it is becoming more and more important. Brush your teeth several times a day with toothpaste, floss daily, and keep your gums healthy, especially when your immune system is under stress.
It’s also important to “avoid chewing gum or very hard foods so we don’t overload the muscles, which will help us prevent problems,” says Herraez. “If there is any suspicion of tooth wear, sensitivity, pain or overload, it is important to go to the dentist,” the specialist concludes.