The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but naturally it can be a little bit stressful, too. Between the packed agenda of gatherings, gift shopping, marathon cooking, travel, and navigating the personalities of family members, there’s a lot to be anxious about. Unfortunately, this can sometimes take its toll on not just your mental health, but your oral health, too. This year don’t let seasonal stress affect your teeth and gums. Here’s how it can harm your mouth, too.
Bruxism
Bruxism, or tooth grinding, typically occurs during times of high stress. Unfortunately, you may not even realize that you’re doing it. This can make catching it and stopping it difficult. Before you know it, you could experience cracked, worn, or chipped teeth. If you catch yourself doing this, try to stop, but if you’re struggling to quit on your own, speak to your dentist about having a custom bite guard made. These can help remind you to stop grinding, but they can also cushion your teeth so that when you do, the guard absorbs the pressure and not your teeth.
TMJ dysfunction / Jaw Pain
Grinding isn’t the only way you can manifest stress in your mouth. Clenching your jaw can still cause a great deal of discomfort even if your teeth never contact each other. Holding your jaw in a stiff position can cause jaw soreness and difficulty opening and closing your mouth to eat or speak. If you are suffering from this type of pain, talk to your dentist about treatment for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction.
Negligent Hygiene
When you’re tired and stressed, it can be easy to fall out of routine, especially if you’re traveling. Don’t let disruptions to your schedule prevent you from caring for your teeth and gums this holiday season. Be sure to make time to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day so you don’t get any cavities or gum disease after enjoying all those tasty holiday treats!
Canker Sores
Canker sores can be painful but thankfully they are harmless and should go away within a week or so. They can be triggered by biting your cheek, brushing too vigorously, and even by stress. If you get one, be careful not to bite it accidentally, as this can make it take longer to heal. You can try dabbing a bit of OTC numbing gel on them if they are bothering you or try a pain reliever like ibuprofen.
How to Protect Your Oral Health from Anxiety and Stress
Now that you know how stress can take its toll on your oral health, here are a few things you can do to help keep your teeth and gums safe and healthy under duress:
- Speak to your dentist about a bite guard if applicable.
- Try deep breathing exercises to help stay calm in stressful situations.
- Take a walk or remove yourself from a tense situation until you feel calmer.
- Say no to invitations or requests that you don’t have time for or know will cause additional stress.
- Make sure to take time for yourself and don’t feel guilty for doing so.
- Don’t neglect your oral hygiene routine.
- Speak to a trusted mental health professional or friend if you feel overwhelmed.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Remember, stress and anxiety aren’t “all in your mind.” They can have very real physical side effects that can wreak havoc on your oral and overall health. This holiday season, keep your teeth and gums safe and healthy by knowing the side effects of poor mental health. Speak to your dentist about protecting your smile from these dangerous conditions.
About Our Practice
At Advanced Dental Care, our focus is on your oral health and preventing painful and costly problems that can occur with poor hygiene habits. The winter holidays can be a very stressful time of year for many people, and we understand that this can often take its toll on your teeth and gums, too. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious and are concerned that it could be harming your mouth, don’t wait for problems to occur. Speak to your dentist today about your symptoms so we can help take some of the worries off your already full plate.
To schedule an appointment for any oral health issue, please don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 714-424-9099.