admin
May 14, 2025
Stress and anxiety have become increasingly common mental health problems in the country. Work pressure, financial distress, family disputes, genetic factors, unhealthy life choices and past trauma can trigger this condition.
It makes a significant psychological and physiological impact on the individual. Every one in four Australians suffers from these issues at least once in their lifetimes. The common physiological symptoms include increased heart rate, blood pressure, rapid breathing, muscle tension, nausea, etc.
The psychological signs include restlessness, irritability, negative thinking, seclusion, fear and unnecessary worrying. Stress and anxiety release adrenaline and cortisol, which cause several changes in the body.
It can also affect the oral health of the individual and make them vulnerable to dental problems. Thus, it is essential to consult an expert psychologist or counsellor to get help in such situations. Let us help you understand how stress and anxiety can affect oral health. It can shed some light on the connection between the two.
1. Stress Can Weaken Immunity
Adverse environments at home or work can keep a person under consistent stress. It leads to the release of stress hormones like cortisol. If the levels of these hormones are consistently high in the body because of prolonged stress, it leads to the restriction of the activity of lymphocytes and natural killer cells.
The condition weakens the immune system and makes the individual susceptible to bacterial infections like gum disease, cavities, oral thrush and burning mouth syndrome.
It is essential to visit a trusted dentist in Hope Island for regular checkups to detect these dental problems at an early stage. In addition, it is highly recommended to maintain optimum oral hygiene in any physical condition. It saves the individual from developing cavities that can be painful and damaging to the tooth.
2. Anxiousness Leads to Teeth Grinding
Stress and anxiety can make people clench their jaws for long periods and initiate involuntary teeth grinding. The muscle tension in the jaw, because of the emotional upheaval and the natural response of the body, can lead to bruxism.
Anger and emotional outbursts can also cause this issue. Night and daytime teeth grinding can become an instinctive response to stress. It can cause severe damage to teeth if it becomes chronic and goes unchecked.
The dental problems caused by bruxism range from enamel erosion and facial pain to TMJ disorder and disturbed sleep. It is vital to consult a practitioner to alleviate stress and a dentist to examine the damage caused to teeth.
3. Stress Can Cause Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are painful sores that can occur anywhere inside the mouth and impact eating and speaking. They heal within a week and are known to be caused due to stress and nutritional deficiencies. If the ulcer does not heal after two weeks or keeps recurring, it is best to visit your Hope Island dentist to identify the underlying problem.
Since chronic anxiety weakens immunity, it can result in mouth ulcers and cold sores. When struggling with the problem, avoiding acidic and spicy foods that can irritate the ulcer is best. Also, maintain a calm demeanour and stay away from stress inducing triggers.
4. Dry Mouth Problem due to Stress
Individuals undergoing a stressful situation for a long time will start producing less saliva, which leads to dry mouth. Saliva is essential for washing away bacteria, acids produced by chewing foods and debris stuck between teeth after meals.
With low saliva levels, the bacteria, acids and food particles stay stuck to the teeth and start the decay process. Thus, it is crucial to rinse your mouth after meals and limit acidic foods and drinks when suffering from dry mouth.
5. Neglect of Oral Health
Stress and anxiety can take a toll on an individual’s mental and physical health. They can suffer from aches, digestive problems, weakened immunity, constant anger and irritability. All these issues can make them depressed and reclusive. They may not feel overwhelmed and stop paying attention to their oral hygiene.
Missing the daily brushing and flossing routine can adversely impact dental health and cause cavities and decay. Thus, dentists in Hope Island suggest getting help from family, friends and a general practitioner when feeling low and depressed.
6. Gum Problems Due to Stress
Rising and consistent stress levels due to an ongoing situation can lead to inflammation in the body that affects the gums. When the gums are impacted, they become swollen, red and painful. This is the initial stage of gum disease known as gingivitis.
It must be treated quickly or it can start progressing and develop into a more serious condition known as periodontal disease. Weak immunity can further increase the likelihood of gum problems. Thus, it is essential to follow stress management techniques to reduce anxiety and worry.
7. Burning Mouth Syndrome
The burning mouth syndrome is a feeling of sharp pain or a burning sensation in the mouth. It usually affects the tongue, gums and lips. It can be consistent or intermittent and can be accompanied by dry mouth.
Stress is one of the reasons behind developing burning mouth syndrome. Individuals suffering from this type of pain must visit their dentist on Hope Island to get the problem diagnosed and treated immediately.
Wrapping Up
Stress and anxiety are becoming common in urban households because of lifestyle choices and eating habits. It can deeply impact oral health and cause various dental problems. Thus, paying attention to mental health and focusing on relaxation and stress relieving activities when feeling uneasy is essential.
