Have you felt overwhelmed lately? Stress can disrupt your mental health and mood. But you might not realize it has a serious impact on your overall well-being too. High stress can cause problems with your oral health and overall well-being.
Increased stress levels can cause damage to your gums in particular. Try to relax and reduce stress to keep your gums healthy. To feel more encouraged to protect your gums, learn about three ways stress can harm your oral health.
Weakened Immune System
When you feel stress, your body automatically begins to produce cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that boosts your immune system and reduces inflammation. In acute situations, your body can find this boost beneficial. But over time, your body can get used to cortisol in a negative way.
Your immune system cannot fight germs and bacteria the way it needs to when you have long-term stress. You will have a higher chance of contracting infections and a tougher time trying to get rid of them.
You could also see an increased risk of gum disease. Swelling, bleeding, and soreness because of inflamed gum tissue are common symptoms in its early stage. And thanks to high stress levels, these symptoms might feel worse.
Whether stressed or not, you’ll need intervention from a dentist to eradicate gum disease. Don’t wait to get periodontal therapy before it’s too late. Get rid of this infection as soon as you notice changes in your gum health.
Neglected Oral Hygiene
If you feel overwhelmed, you might feel tempted to skip some of your usual routines in an attempt to relieve some of that stress. Some patients skip their oral hygiene regimen. You shouldn’t do this because you will increase your risk of dental emergencies. This will only make you more stressed.
When you don’t floss or brush your teeth as often as you should, even just once, you leave plaque and other harmful residues on your teeth. Excess bacteria can easily spread and reach your gums. This means you have a much higher chance of contracting gum disease.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, morning and night, and floss daily to maximize oral hygiene. This lowers your risk of gum disease so that you can better preserve your gum health.
Dry Mouth Complications
Stress can affect your body in various ways, including messing with your digestion. It can slow down how fast your food gets digested, leading to producing less saliva. This could leave you with a dry mouth, which can be annoying and risky for your gums.
A dry mouth allows bacteria to travel with greater ease through your mouth. This means you have an increased chance of contracting oral infections like gum disease. Lower this risk by drinking plenty of water and seeking stress relief. This way you can avoid risk factors like dry mouth that can lead to gum disease.
Do you have more questions, or need a second opinion about your gum health? Schedule a visit to Columbia Family Dentist for a dental exam. Our dentists will listen to your concerns and create a treatment plan specifically for you.