Can Stress Affect Oral Health in Any Way?

Can Stress Affect Oral Health in Any Way?

Posted by COLORADO WELLNESS DENTISTRY on May 13 2023, 11:11 AM

Stress is a normal reaction that occurs in response to any irritant or threat. It can happen at any place or at any time. While stress is not entirely bad, it is problematic when it becomes chronic. If left uncontrolled, stress can cause several health issues, including oral health issues. 

The Connection Between Stress and Oral Health

Many patients experience stress, but that doesn’t mean there’s no way to manage it. If you’re experiencing anxiety or stress due to something going on in your life, it’s important to find ways to reduce stress. Otherwise, your stress levels could negatively affect your oral health.

For example, if you are nervous about missing work because you’re dealing with an illness, you might neglect your teeth by not brushing and flossing enough. This can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, which will only raise your stress levels because you’ll have to deal with more complicated problems later on. The opposite can happen as well; if you’re stressed out all the time about work or school, your mouth might produce more saliva than normal to help regulate your body’s stress response. This extra saliva can quickly lead to dry mouth, which is just as damaging to oral health as excessive plaque buildup is.

Your mouth is a sensitive part of your body, so if you’re experiencing even a small amount of discomfort, you’re more likely to become stressed about the problem. This can result in an increase in the production of saliva, which can contribute to tooth decay if not brushed off regularly. It’s also common for sufferers to experience jaw clenching and teeth grinding when they become stressed, which can strain the joints in the jaw and cause TMJ disorder. (It’s also possible to grind your teeth while you sleep if you’ve experienced tooth damage in the past and have worn fillings or crowns.) Grinding often occurs in people who experience stress and anxiety, but it can happen even if you don’t tend to feel overly anxious. Cavities, crooked teeth, and misalignment can all make it easier to grind your teeth at night without realizing it. So if your dentist has told you that you have damage due to long-term nighttime grinding, be sure to see your doctor to discuss the possibility of anxiety treatment as well.

To treat stress-related oral conditions, our dentist at Colorado Wellness Dentistry recommends following good oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time, flossing daily, rinsing with mouthwash after meals to reduce bacteria, and staying away from acidic foods and beverages that can damage the enamel on your teeth. You may also benefit from using an oral rinse containing xylitol, which can inhibit the growth of yeast in the mouth and help to prevent cavities.

Schedule an appointment with a dentist at 9085 E Mineral Cir #220, Centennial, CO 80112 by calling us at (303) 798-1068 or filling out our online form to request an appointment time. Our dental practice is equipped with the best cosmetic dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care for patients. We look forward to meeting you soon!

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9085 E Mineral Cir #220, Centennial, CO 80112

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Email: frontdesk@coloradowellnessdentistry.com

Phone: (303) 798-1068

Colorado Wellness Dentistry

Colorado Wellness Dentistry is at the forefront of dental treatment for our patients, who are focused on whole body health. Our office understands that oral healthcare is the gateway to the rest of a person’s wellness. We care for our patients as a whole person. Dr. Williams uses modern courses of treatment including LANAP for gum disease and periodontal problems, Bioclear for cosmetic and alternative treatment to crowns, Mercury removal for overall health and wellness for metal sensitive patients, and whole family dental care. When you find a home at Colorado Wellness Dentistry you feel in control of your treatment and oral health.

Dentist Centennial CO

LANAP®  

Patients seeking gum disease treatment can now turn to the new, minimally invasive LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure). By using this new laser technology, a dentist for gum disease can remove diseased tissue without using a scalpel. The LANAP® gum disease treatment works by inserting a small fiber between the tooth and the gum and sending a pulsed laser light to remove all bacteria and infected tissue from the area. The laser is then used again to stimulate the bone and tissue in a way that encourages regrowth. By removing only the infected tissue, LANAP® gum disease treatment reduces bleeding and minimizes recovery time.

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Gum Disease  

 

Do you experience sore or bleeding gums when brushing or flossing your teeth? Do you have severe pain when chewing food? These symptoms can be the warning signs of gum disease - gingivitis or periodontitis. It is important to address these conditions at the earliest stages to prevent future complications.

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Bioclear  

Bioclear is the latest and most innovative technique of dental restoration. It is a procedure that has evolved from the traditional use of amalgam fillings to contemporary composite restorations. It helps the dentist to give superior all-around treatment to traditional fillings.

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Dr. Mitchell J. Williams and Dr. Steven C. Olsen, located in Centennial, CO, serving patients from Greenwood Village, CO, Highlands Ranch, CO, and Aurora, CO. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our office and encourage you to schedule your appointment today!

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