An individual's oral health can be affected by forces outside of the mouth, including stress. Unfortunately, some people undergo an incredible amount of stress, be it from home or work life, and their gum health can take a toll. While stress both directly and indirectly affects your gums, it is important to be aware of the impact it could be having and how to manage it.
Direct Effect of Stress on Gum Health
When an individual is stressed, they can see a high chance of developing canker sores in their mouth. While this is not a major issue, it can be frustrating and constantly painful for a person, adding more stress to whatever problems they are already facing. If you become aware that you are prone to canker sores during stressful periods, try to keep some over the counter relief to put on the canker sores. Always check the expiry date if it has been in your cupboard for some time. Immune cells are also weaker when experiencing stress. While this can make an individual more susceptible to falling ill from bacterial or viral infection, it can also increase their likelihood of developing gum disease. Individuals undergoing stress should therefore be extra diligent with their oral hygiene routine. Booking an appointment with one of our dentists for a professional cleaning can help reduce your chances of developing gum disease during stressful periods.
Indirect Effect of Stress on Gum Health
When stressed, you may be going through a lot of emotions and turmoil in your life. This can lead you to neglect the little yet important aspects of your daily routine. This can include cutting your nails, washing your hair and brushing your teeth. Whether this is due to a loss of energy from stress, or a loss of focus on necessary tasks, neglecting oral health can have detrimental side effects for your gums. For help with your oral health, contact our office now at (469) 649-0699.
An individual's oral health can be affected by forces outside of the mouth, including stress. Unfortunately, some people undergo an incredible amount of stress, be it from home or work life, and their gum health can take a toll. While stress both directly and indirectly affects your gums, it is important to be aware of the impact it could be having and how to manage it.