Stress can impact our lives in a number of unfavorable ways, and, you may be surprised to find out, stress can harm our smiles as well! Today our Novato dentists are going to be walking you through a few of the ways that stress manifests in terms of dental health. We hope that this information helps you make healthier decisions for your smile!
Dental Grinding
“Bruxism” is a condition defined by dental grinding and clenching. For many sufferers, this behavior occurs or intensifies in times of stress. Some people grind and clench their teeth during the day, while others do so at night, without even realizing it’s happening.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is often associated with stress and anxiety because it can be part of the flight or flight response. Additionally, dry mouth is a common side effect with a number of anxiety medications.
Oral Hygiene Problems
It’s an unfortunate truth that many people tend to fall behind in their regular habits and routines when they under a lot of stress. When we’re overwhelmed it can feel difficult to do even the simplest tasks, and this includes caring for our smiles morning and night. If you are finding that its harder than normal to maintain fresh breath, for instance, this may be related to your daily routine.
During times of heightened stress and anxiety, don’t forget about your oral health. And remember, Novato dentists are here to help you optimize your smile. Please give us a call if, at any point, you need additional support or guidance.