By Dr. Keerthi Sudireddy
Stress does not just affect your mind; it shows up in your mouth too. From grinding to gum problems, chronic stress can quietly damage teeth.
Quick answer
Stress affects oral health through teeth grinding and clenching (often at night), jaw pain, mouth ulcers, dry mouth, neglected oral care, and a higher risk of gum disease as stress weakens the immune response. Managing stress, wearing a night guard if you grind, and keeping up good oral care protect your teeth during stressful periods.
How stress shows up
- Teeth grinding and jaw pain.
- More frequent mouth ulcers.
- Dry mouth and worse breath.
- Higher gum disease risk and skipped oral care.
What helps
- A custom night guard if you grind.
- Stress management and good sleep.
- Keeping up brushing, flossing and check-ups.
Book a check-up at The Tooth Studio.
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