The effects of stress on dental health
Studies have established a connection between chronic stress and a range of mental and physical illnesses, among them obesity, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and, of course, mental health problems such as depression.
Stress and oral health are linked
A considerable number of scientific publications on this subject between 1990 and 2006 were reviewed. In 57 per cent of them a clear connection was found between stress and its accompanying conditions — anxiety and depression — and periodontal disease. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that puts the patient at serious risk of losing their teeth. There is compelling evidence that stress can harm dental health too.
Gum disease
Even if it may not seem as bad as some of the illnesses above, gum disease can lead to loose teeth and even tooth loss and can raise the risk of diabetes, heart problems and other conditions. Beyond that, oral health problems are fairly obvious: bleeding gums, bad breath, jaw discomfort and other related disorders keep going through your mind, which raises stress and worsens other difficulties. The soft tissue in the mouth is frequently a sign of general health. The presence and recurrence of ulcers can be a symptom that dental health is being affected by stress. Tense facial muscles frequently have a negative influence on dental health, including grinding and the resulting discomfort in the face. Looking after your oral health will not make the stress disappear, but you can prevent the condition worsening and leading to future problems that are far more serious. Another point worth mentioning is that the stress-related rise in the hormone cortisol can weaken the body’s immune system, which raises the risk of gum disease and a range of other, non-dental health problems.
Poor dental hygiene and stress
People under stress are also more likely to make poor decisions about their dental health. Extreme stress can lead someone to skip flossing, skip brushing or at least brush only briefly. Stress-related grinding can wear down the enamel and increase sensitivity. You might indulge in unhealthy snacks, particularly ones high in sugar.
Smoking
Stressed people tend to smoke more and to drink more often. Alarming statistics show that 90% of people who develop cancer of the mouth, lips or tongue are either smokers or users of chewing tobacco. Gum disease occurs six times more often in smokers, and smoking has a considerable influence on how quickly patients recover from illness: the likelihood of cancer recurring, for instance, is six times higher in smokers. In combination these unhealthy practices have a greater negative influence on dental health than any one of them alone. The consequences are not always immediately apparent, however. Smoking considerably raises the risk of gum disease but also damages the blood vessels in the gums and can therefore reduce the likelihood of bleeding. Even if there are no typical early warning signs, gum disease can still be present.
Grinding the teeth
Perhaps the most worrying oral health condition that stress can trigger is gum disease, but there are other immediate problems to address, such as cold sores, oral infections and jaw pain. The stress cycle is made worse by stress causing bruxism, or grinding, which can make restful sleep difficult. Fortunately grinding can be eased through measures taken at home and with a dentist’s support. Eating softer food and massaging the problem areas help with symptoms such as jaw discomfort, morning headaches and increased sensitivity. A longer-term solution can be found by looking at the area and making a custom mouthguard, which stops the grinding while being comfortable enough not to affect sleep quality.
How to tackle the problems
A lack of sleep leads to tiredness, a dreadful morning, possible hygiene problems, and the patient may also reach for coffee and cigarettes to get going. The first step in avoiding further stress and making sure the stress has not caused lasting damage is to address dental health. Everyone experiences a certain amount of stress in life, but it should not become a recurring problem. Maintaining good dental health is not too difficult either, so that is one worry less.
Begin with good hygiene: regular brushing, using floss and interdental brushes, and avoiding excessive sweets, smoking, heavy drinking and grinding. Regular check-ups and professional cleanings by a hygienist are the next stage, which builds on the first. Most people who grind do so at night in their sleep, since they are not aware of the problem during the day.
Regular examinations
Regular check-ups make it possible to spot excessive wear and to start treatment to prevent future damage, such as making a mouthguard to be worn at night to protect the teeth. A visit to the dentist can either establish that there are no problems or help put right those that exist. A dentist can also recognise early signs of gum disease or other problems which, untreated, worsen and cause stress. For most people it is difficult and perhaps even dangerous to diagnose the origin of their gum problems themselves; dentists and hygienists play a decisive part in distinguishing simple gingivitis from periodontitis. Simple gingivitis can be treated easily with basic oral hygiene, while periodontitis requires more frequent hygiene and possibly periodontal treatment.
Healthy practices
Stress is a dreadful thing, especially when it persists and seems to have no clear, fixable cause. It is debilitating. It is always there in the background, preventing body and brain from functioning as they should, and as a result it can cause a whole range of health problems. One of them is oral health. If gum disease is left untreated, there is a considerable risk of serious long-term consequences. Fortunately it is usually quite easy to regulate. Keep up good hygiene, be aware of the influence of food, drink and smoking, and see your dentist and hygienist as often as recommended. If you live or work in and around Cologne, do come to the practice for an examination. Online booking is available.
