Can Stress Cause Dental Health Down?

Everyone deals with stress in their own manner. It's easy to get into bad habits after a hard day that won't help you for long. These tendencies can easily become worsened when practically everyone is quarantined during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Unfortunately, numerous habits, like smoking, nail biting, and eating, can harm your dental health. Rather than continuously indulging them, your dentist provides some tips on how to handle stress while still preserving a healthy smile.

Oral Health and Stress Habits

Many of the stress-relieving routines people establish are centered on immediate enjoyment. It feels good to have a second a slice of pizza. But they can have a negative impact on your dental and general health if you consume them on a regular basis.

While this is by no means an in-depth list, some of the most frequent stressors that might harm your oral health include:

• Nail Biting: It's common to think of biting your nails as a means to concentrate. We've all seen TV episodes where students bite their nails while taking an exam or nibble on them when waiting for the results. Chewing your nails, like chewing ice, can damage your tooth enamel, making them more susceptible to decay. Underneath your nails, there could be a lot of bacteria. You put yourself at risk of periodontal disease and infection by exposing your mouth to those germs.

• Smoking: We've all seen the commercials illustrating the negative effects of smoking on the mouth. The dangers of smoking are well-known, ranging from discolored teeth to periodontal disease to oral cancer.

• Constant Snacking: It's quite easy to snack when you're at home, sitting in front of a computer all day. It's not only delicious, but it also helps to break up the monotony. Overeating or drinking too much, on the other hand, causes plaque to build up on your teeth. This could lead to gum disease or gingivitis if adequate dental hygiene habits are not followed.

Bettering Your Habits

Changing your behaviors can be a challenging task. There are, however, simple solutions that can help you in stress management when focusing on your health.

When you're feeling stressed, try these things:

• Choosing Healthy Snacks: When snacking is a problem for you, try replacing salty or sweet foods with something healthier. Fibrous foods can help scrape plaque from your teeth as you chew.

• Exercise: There are a plethora of short, simple workouts available on the internet that you can do at home. Even a tiny amount of exercise every day might help you feel better and reduce stress.

• Keep a journal: Keeping a journal is a simple practice that might assist you in putting things in perspective. Writing about difficult situations can be soothing and a great way to unwind.

We may improve our stress management in a variety of ways. While some of your current habits may be great in moderation, forming new, better habits can help you not just reduce stress but also learn more about yourself.

If you already have problems with oral health, see us at Comprehensive Family Dentistry in Oklahoma City. Our dentists are always at your help.

**Disclaimer: This content is not a professional dental or medical advice and does not imply a relationship between patient and care provider or the doctors.