The Connection Between Stress and Oral Health

The Connection Between Stress and Oral Health

Stress can have numerous effects on your body, including your oral health. Stress can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to oral health problems such as gum disease. Stress also makes it more difficult for your body to fight infection.

Stress and Oral Health

If you’re stressed, your body and mind may automatically take your mind off of your oral habits, such as brushing and flossing. This can easily lead to cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss if left unchecked. Studies have even shown that people who experience higher levels of stress may be more likely to develop an oral infection like periodontal disease. This can, in turn, cause your body to release chemicals that increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Better stress management can lead to better oral health, so remember to give yourself a break every once in a while to relax and keep those good oral hygiene habits!

At DTLA Smile, we are able to provide gentle yet thorough periodontal therapy to treat any symptoms you may have related to periodontal disease. We also offer general dentistry services to protect your smile for years to come. 

Lifestyle Changes You Can Make to Alleviate Stress

Reducing your stress levels can help improve your oral health, as well. For one, being stressed often means you are more likely to have high blood pressure. High blood pressure can affect the blood vessels that supply blood to the gums, causing them to become inflamed. This causes gum disease to develop and can be problematic for your overall health.

Also, when you are feeling stressed out, you are more susceptible to snacking on unhealthy foods. These foods can negatively affect your oral health in a number of ways. Sweets can cause cavities by feeding the bacteria in your mouth that cause decay. In addition, these unhealthy snacks are often high in sugar, leading to tooth decay and damage to tooth enamel. Unhealthy snack foods that are high in fat can also increase your risk of periodontal disease. This is because the plaque that builds up around teeth is prone to becoming hard tartar, which is difficult to remove from teeth. It can linger around teeth and cause infections or tooth decay. This can make patients feel even more stressed about their oral health, which can create more problems by preventing them from properly caring for their teeth and gums.

So, when you find yourself feeling particularly stressed, try to focus on ways to make yourself feel more relaxed. This will help both your oral and mental health.

To find out more about the dental services we offer at DTLA Smile, Los Angeles, CA, call (213) 688-2828 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit Dentist Los Angeles, CA, at 104 West 7th St, #2 Los Angeles, CA, 90014.

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