How is stress related to dental care?

Dr. Maryam Brazdo and the team at Artistic Touch Dentistry remind you that stress-management is closely related to the health of your teeth and gums. Staving off stress with positive behaviors is beneficial for your entire body, and especially for your teeth and gums.

Stress often causes people to clench the jaw or grind the teeth, which can lead to headaches or tooth damage and may damage crowns and fillings. Stress also leads to unhealthy eating habits. The carbohydrates in sugary foods like donuts, candies, and sodas may come with a sudden rush of endorphins, but they also stimulate the presence of bacteria in the mouth.

Stress can be associated with other behaviors like nail-biting, chewing on objects, smoking cigarettes, or other anxious oral habits may become more apparent with stress.

In order to keep your mouth healthy, moderate stress through healthy eating, physical activity, time outdoors, prayer and meditation, or other forms of activity you enjoy. The very best way to protect your smile is to protect your overall well-being through stress management!