This is how stress affects your oral health and you didn’t know it

Stress appears when we are faced with situations that are worrying us and make us feel that we cannot move forward. The consequences that this has on our health are diverse, from hair loss, gastric ulcers, headaches to dental problems.

Yes, maybe you didn’t know it, but stress could be damaging your oral health in an impressive way. Next we will tell you the most frequent symptoms and some tips to counteract the damage. Remember that it is best to go to your family dentist and try to relax as much as possible, either with a yoga class, a chat with your best friend or a well-deserved nap.

This is how it affects your teeth and gums

Bleeding and swollen gums: When you are under a lot of pressure, the gums become more sensitive and tend to bleed and swell due to excess bacteria and the low resistance of the immune system. To avoid this, it is recommended to wash your teeth 30 minutes after each meal.

Herpes or afta labial: These appear because the body is low on defenses and the mouth is exposed to bacteria. To eliminate them, it is recommended to use a special anesthetic or oral antiseptic.

Gingivitis: It is a bacterial disease that causes inflammation and infection in the gum tissues. This can appear because the body’s defenses are low due to stress.

Bruxism: It consists of squeezing the teeth and making them grind unconsciously. This tends to happen more often at night. Grinding wears down the teeth and can lead to joint problems in the jaw.

Caries: Stress reduces saliva production, causing the mouth to become dehydrated and increasing the likelihood of xerostomia. In turn, xerostomia irritates the soft tissues of the mouth, facilitating the appearance of infections or cavities.

Avoid it and keep beautiful teeth

• Visit the dentist regularly. At least once or twice a year.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Floss once a day.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid eating hard or very crunchy foods.
• Try to relax with a yoga class, meditation, or staying away from those that don’t add anything good to your life.
• If the problem is extremely serious, go to your dentist for an evaluation and can prescribe the use of mouthguards or some anti-inflammatory medication.