Stress and Your Dental Care
As much as we love the holidays, we can also find ourselves feeling a little more stressed out than normal. We know that stress can affect our overall health and mood, but what you may not know is how this can affect your mouth & teeth.
Some of the side effects of stress that damage your oral health include:
- Grinding your teeth (Bruxism)
- Clenching your jaws
- Mouth sores including cold sores and canker sores
- Gum disease or poor oral hygiene
- Unhealthy eating habits
The main thing to remember if you’re feeling stressed is not to ignore your health. Take time out to focus on you and don’t use smoking or drinking alcohol as a way to relieve stress. These are both highly addictive and bad for your oral health.
Ways to de-stress this holiday
Watch What You’re Eating- We know it’s the holidays, but whenever you can, choose healthy and limit your sugar. Also, don’t forget the water. Make sure your body stays properly hydrated at all times.
Physical Activity- Your goal should be to get at least 20 minutes a day of activity. It not only helps with keeping in physical shape, but it will boost your mood as well.
Sit back & Relax- Schedule time to unwind and do something you enjoy. Maybe it’s your favorite music and a bubble bath or a massage, but the key is to relax your body and your mind.
Most importantly, never hesitate to visit your physician or your dentist with any concerns you may have. If you’re suffering from anxiety or depression, seek help from your doctor immediately, and if your oral health seems to be worse than normal, make an appointment with your local dentist for a checkup.
We want everyone to enjoy the season, and being healthy is the first step.
