Stress is a significant risk factor for oral diseases. Oral diseases like caries and gums disease are primary health concern worldwide. There is strong relationship between current stress and poor oral hygiene. Stress is body’s reaction to day-to-day challenges and demand. When someone feels stressed, adrenaline and stress hormones (e.g. cortisol) are released by body, which prepare the body for “fight-or-flight” response. Excessive and chronic stress can take a toll on the body. Chronic stress can lead to many long-term health issues like suppressing your Immune system, Cardiovascular system (like increased heart rate, high blood pressure), Digestive system, Stroke, Obesity and Diabetes. Like our mind and body, our mouth is also affected by stress.
Oral Diseases caused by Stress
1. Gums Disease:
Chronic stress plays a significant role in the development of gums disease. Stress hormones like cortisol suppress the immune system and increase inflammation in gums. Inflamed gums are more susceptible to infection leading to gingivitis and if not treated, it can lead to a more severe gum disease known as periodontitis. Gums become red, swollen, and tender and there can be a tendency to bleed during brushing or flossing. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to progression of gum disease in the form of receding gums, increased tooth sensitivity, mobility and ultimately tooth loss. If you are facing any of the above symptoms, consulting Dr. Archana Mal at Floss and Gloss Dental clinic at Shela can help you a lot. Being a Periodontist (gums specialist) herself, she can provide you the best treatment.
2. Bruxism
Bruxism is involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth that can occur during day or night and is often associated with stress and anxiety. Even though many factors are responsible for bruxism like sleep disorders, missing teeth, crooked teeth, abnormal bite, it can also be caused by stress and anxiety. Usually, people are not aware that they do grinding or clenching of teeth, so it’s very important to know the signs of bruxism. Clenching causes less damage to teeth but leads to muscle soreness, pain and damage to the temporomandibular joint (jaw joint). Grinding visibly show flat tips of teeth, loss of enamel layer, extreme sensitivity, tongue indentations, along with muscle soreness, pain and damage to temporomandibular joint. If you notice any of the above symptoms, consult Dr. Archana Mal to know whether you may have bruxism, if so, the treatment plan would be made according to your dental needs.
3. Temporomandibular Joint (Jaw Joint) Disorders (TMD)
TMD refers to a group of conditions that cause pain in jaw joint and muscles that controls jaw movement. Stress is an important factor in causing TMD. Stressful conditions cause overuse of jaw muscles by clenching and grinding. If you don’t notice any signs of bruxism, you may still experience others symptoms of TMD like jaw joint pain and clicking of jaw. If you suffer from any of these, you should consult Dr Archana Mal at Floss & Gloss Dental Clinic to see if TMD may be the cause.
4. Oral Habits and Parafunctions
Stress can be expressed in various habits or behaviours like nail biting, biting of tongue, cheek and lips. Biting or sucking of objects can cause pressure on teeth. These habits when done repeatedly can lead to migration and trauma to teeth.
5. Dry Mouth
Saliva plays a crucial role in chewing of food, cleansing of oral cavity, swallowing and protects mouth from infections. Buffering action of saliva helps in neutralization of acids in oral cavity and protects the teeth. When mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, it can cause dry mouth. People experience dry mouth when they are upset or under stress. Dry mouth can also happen due to side effects of some medicines. Medicines for high blood pressure and depression often cause dry mouth. Some diseases like diabetes, patients undergoing radiotherapy and those with trauma to nerves supplying salivary glands can experience dry mouth. You can experience dry feeling in mouth, trouble in speaking, chewing, burning sensation, rough tongue, cracked lips and mouth sores.
6. Unhealthy Coping Habits
Stress can lead to unhealthy coping behaviours like excessive consumption of tobacco, smoking, alcohol, unhealthy eating habits and poor oral maintenance.
How to protect your mouth from damage caused by Stress?
- Stress Management: Manage your stress with healthy ways like meditation, yoga and exercise. Get enough sleep and devote some time to your hobbies which make you feel happy.
- Maintain oral care routine: Brush two times daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day. Don’t forget dental appointments twice a year.
- Eat well Balanced Diet & Stay Hydrated: Eat well balanced diet and avoid sugary processed foods. Include vitamin and minerals in your diet especially vitamin C and calcium which improve gums health and builds immunity.
- Protect your Teeth from Grinding & Clenching: If you grind or clench your teeth a custom-fitted night guard can protect your teeth and gums.
Conclusion
Good oral health contributes to confidence and improves quality of life. The theme of the World Oral Health Day, which was observed on 20th March, 2025, was: “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind”. If you are facing any of the stress related symptoms in mouth, you can prevent the progression of oral disease by consulting Dr. Archana Mal at her clinic based at Shela. Maintain your healthy smile by adopting healthy habits for years to come.