While the holiday season is a joyful time of year, it can be easy to get stressed out with all the shopping, family visits, and special events. This is definitely something to be aware of because stress can affect your health in various ways – and that can include having a less-than-positive impact on your smile. Your preventive dentist is here to provide a closer look at how holiday-related stress can affect oral health and what you can do to protect your grin.
Stress and Oral Health
Stress manifests differently in everyone. Here is a quick look at some of the oral health issues it can potentially contribute to:
- Bruxism: Bruxism is a condition where you unconsciously grind and clench your teeth at night. Not only can this wear down your enamel, but it can also lead to serious jaw pain. It’s often related to crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw, but it can be a side effect of stress and anxiety as well.
- Canker Sores: Sometimes stress can lead to the appearance of small sores on the gums or inside the cheeks. These are known as canker sores, and they can cause quite a bit of discomfort. Fortunately, you can usually expect them to go away on their own over time.
- Dry Mouth: Stress can affect your body’s saliva production, leading to a dry mouth. Not only is this condition uncomfortable, but it also raises your risk for further oral health issues because there isn’t enough saliva to wash away harmful bacteria and food particles.
- Gum Disease: Stress can weaken your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fend off infections. This can ultimately make you more likely to develop gum disease, which could ultimately lead to tooth loss if it’s not treated properly.
How Can You Protect Your Smile From Holiday-Related Stress?
It’s important to do what you can to relieve your stress as much as possible to limit its effect on your smile and the rest of your body. Try picking up stress-relieving habits such as meditation and yoga, and be sure to get plenty of sleep. Sharing your feelings with your loved ones or a counselor can also help.
On top of that, you should make a point of taking excellent care of your smile even during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Always take the time to brush at least twice a day, and remember to floss daily. If you do notice stress-related oral health problems, let your dentist know immediately so that they can recommend an appropriate solution. For example, they can give you a nightguard to protect your teeth from bruxism, and they can perform scaling and root planing to treat gum disease.
There’s no need to let fear of oral health problems add to your worries during the holiday season. By simply following the right steps to control your stress and take care of your teeth, you can enjoy the most wonderful time of the year to the fullest and continue to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile!
About the Author
Dr. Jane Reeves is a graduate of the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. She has been delivering high-quality dental care to patients in Deer Park for more than 25 years, and she offers a full range of services including nightguards, gum disease treatments, and more. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Reeves at Deer Park Family Dentistry during the holiday season, visit her website or call (281) 479-2841.