The holidays may be the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also be one of the most stressful, too. Between the visits to family, travel, shopping, major meal preparation and more, it can easily become overwhelming. Unfortunately, this can often take its toll on not just your mental health, but on your oral health as well.
Here are a few ways your teeth and gums could be at risk from stress this season and what you can do to protect yourself.
Bruxism
Bruxism, or grinding your teeth often occurs when patients are stressed. It can happen while you sleep or when you’re wide awake, and you may not even realize that you’re doing it, making it difficult to stop. Unfortunately, this can lead to chipped, cracked, or worn teeth. If you notice signs of excessive wear or damage, jaw stiffness, or any other related symptoms, speak to your dentist about a custom bite guard to help stop you from grinding and protect your teeth from further damage.
TMJ dysfunction / Jaw Pain
Stress can affect your mouth even if you don’t grind your teeth. Clenching your jaw can cause stiffness and discomfort that makes it difficult to speak and chew. If you are experiencing this type of pain, you could have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Your dentist can help formulate a treatment plan to help address this issue and prevent further damage to your teeth and joints.
Poor Hygiene
It can be easy to neglect your teeth and gums if you’re tired or stressed, but no matter how you feel it’s very important to maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine. Carve out a few minutes to brush and floss your teeth twice each day, so you can continue to protect them from cavities and keep your gums free of periodontal disease.
Canker Sores
Thankfully, canker sores are just temporary, but they can still cause a great deal of pain. While there are many things that can cause them, one of the most common triggers is stress. If you are experiencing a painful one, try dabbing some OTC oral numbing gel on it, or take an OTC pain reliever. Be careful when chewing so you don’t accidentally bite down on it, as this not only hurts, but it can also make it take longer to heal.
How to Protect Your Mental and Oral Health from Holiday Stress
Now that you know the dangers of stress on your oral health, here are a few more ways you can help keep calm during times of high tension:
- Try deep breathing exercises or a relaxation app.
- Go for a walk to remove yourself from a stressful situation.
- Don’t feel bad about saying no to invitations or requests that you don’t have time for or know will stress you out.
- Take time for yourself and don’t feel guilty. Your feelings matter.
- Speak to a mental health professional or trusted friend if you feel overwhelmed.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Remember, holiday stress is never “all in your mind.” It can affect more than just your mental health. In fact, it can take a very real toll on your oral health, too. This year, keep your teeth and gums safe from these dangerous side effects and speak to your dentist about how you can protect your smile all year long.
About Our Practice
At Dentaworks Hawaii we want your oral health to be as stress free as possible. That’s why our entire team works together to help make your visit with us calm and comfortable. Whether you need a regular exam and cleaning, a cosmetic treatment, or you’re suffering from the side effects of stress on your teeth and gums, we’re here to help.
To schedule an appointment to help protect your teeth and gums, please visit our website or call us today at 808-528-1200.