Your oral health is reflective of your overall health.

We know energy runs through the meridian system in our body and allows the teeth to communicate with other body parts. Because of this, the health of your teeth directly affects other parts of your body. When we experience stress, our whole body can have harmful consequences. 

Knowing some signs of stress in your mouth can help you detect problems with your oral health early, and you may be able to protect your gums, teeth, and jaws from the long-term effects of stress.

1.     Stress can lower your immune system:

Your immune system is your body's natural defense against disease and infection. When it comes to your oral health, this can be a big problem. When stress wears down your immune system, bacteria in your mouth take advantage leading to gingivitis, an infection of the gums. In its early stages, gingivitis is easy to treat. But if you don't treat it, it can turn into gum disease, a severe oral health problem. So, if you've been stressed lately, you should floss and maintain a good dental hygiene routine to take extra care of your gums. If you floss and your gums bleed, you should go to the dentist immediately.

2.     Gingival inflammation (Gingivitis and periodontitis): When you're stressed, taking care of yourself is less critical, and meals high in carbs, sugar, and caffeine can help you feel better. Plaque buildup, tooth decay, and even tooth loss can happen if you don't take care of your teeth and eat poorly.

Extreme stress can change your mood and make you forget to brush, floss, and rinse your teeth. When stressed, you may also start to eat and drink in ways that aren't good for you. For example, you might snack on sugary foods or drinks, which can lead to tooth decay. In the long run, it can make your gums more likely to get sick.

Remind yourself that if you brush your teeth and eat well, you won't have to go to the dentist to get cavities filled. At least twice a day, brush your teeth, and every day, floss. Use a mouth rinse that kills germs twice a day. It might give you the push you need to make changes.

3.     Dry mouth (Xerostomia): Saliva removes food from teeth, keeps teeth moist, remineralizes enamel, and aids in the battle against germs. However, stress, hormonal changes, and the side effects of certain medications cause you to produce less saliva, which causes germs to adhere to your teeth more, especially around the gum line, resulting in more buildup, inflammation, and an increased risk of dental caries. Additionally, excessive alcohol use and smoking may promote dry mouth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

4.     Teeth clenching and grinding (Bruxism): A common way to deal with stress and anxiety is to grind your teeth, also called bruxism. The majority of people don’t know that they grind their teeth, especially at night. You don't have to have any symptoms if you clench or grind your teeth, but there are signs of it in your teeth. Teeth grinding wears down the enamel, causing weakening of the tooth structure and sensitivity; you can; have broken or loose teeth, tongue indents, headaches, and neck pain. There can be other causes for the grinding and clenching, g but consulting with your dentist and wearing a custom-made device or a night guard will protect your teeth and jaw.

Your teeth are not supposed to be making contact unless you are chewing. Remember to always breathe through your nose, your lips should be together and your teeth apart, and your tongue should be resting on the roof of your mouth; this is the correct resting posture.

5.     TMJ Disorder (Temporomandibular Joint disorder): The TMJs are located directly under the ears on either side of the head. They allow movement of the lower jaw. You may have a TMJ disorder if these joints become inflamed or tight, which often occurs when you grind your teeth or clench your jaw due to stress. When you open or close your mouth, you may experience jaw discomfort and hear a clicking or popping sound if you have TMJ dysfunction. Additionally, headaches and muscle soreness are frequent complaints. It may worsen and cause your jaw to lock, making it difficult to open or shut your mouth, requiring repositioning by a health practitioner.

How to act: Your dentist may suggest a night guard or another device to help you stop grinding your teeth or aligning the jaw in the correct position.

6.     Mouth Sores:

Canker sores: These are tiny spots that are white or grayish in the middle and have red edges. They appear in your mouth, sometimes in pairs or bigger groups. There is no specific reason for this, but they can be associated with your immune system, which protects you from getting sick; germs or viruses could also cause them, and stress makes it more likely to get them. Avoid foods that are spicy, hot, or high in acid, like tomatoes or citrus fruits, if you want to feel better. Most canker sores go away in one to ten days.

Cold sores: The herpes simplex virus causes these sores, also called fever blisters. They are full of fluid and usually show up on or near your lips. They can also show up around your chin or under your nose. The herpes simplex virus is what causes cold sores. Most of the time, they are dormant until something stresses them out. Herpes simplex usually shows up as blisters on the lips or in the corners of the mouth, but sores can also form on the gums, making it hard to brush and floss. Like canker sores, they usually get better on their own in about a week. But since the virus that causes them can be passed on to other people, you should start treatment as soon as you see one coming on.

7.     Changes in the microbiome may influence mental health: stress causes more inflammation and changes the oral microbiota (bacteria in the mouth) that at the same time might play a role in anxiety and depression disorders. Just like the microbiota in the gut, the microbiota in the mouth can be used as a therapeutic target. Studies are showing an incredible mouth-microbial-brain connection in the development of neuropathology. Keeping a healthy microbial community in the mouth helps improve general and mental health.

Tips for reducing stress and protecting oral health:

Eat nutritious meals such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins helps you feel good and may also help you maintain a stable mood. Skipping meals is unhealthy and may increase stress levels.

Consider your mouth: If you grind or clench your teeth, discussing a mouthguard with your dentist may be beneficial. This may avoid tooth damage, jaw pain, and sore facial muscles.

Experts in behavioral health and other health professionals may assist you in breaking unhealthy behaviors and discovering healthier methods to manage stress. Ask your doctor, dentist, or another health expert, as well as a trusted friend, for advice if you engage in unhealthy stress-reduction methods.

Regular dental cleanings are recommended if you have more significant inflammation or a high risk of cavities. Orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth may also be suggested to aid with TMJ and bruxism.

Continue brushing twice-daily, and flossing. Additionally, regularly see a dentist to get your teeth and gums inspected.

Practicing Yoga, meditation, journaling, physical exercise, and therapy may help you manage your stress. It is crucial to maintain appropriate dental hygiene while under stress.