Is Stress Harming Your Smile?
You’ve probably felt stress in your body, whether it’s tension headaches, trouble sleeping, or tight shoulders. But have you ever considered how it might affect your teeth and gums? If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain, gum irritation, or sudden tooth sensitivity, stress might be playing a bigger role than you think. Continue reading for some of the most common questions about the link between stress and your smile.
How Stress Affects Your Oral Health
Everyone gets stressed from time to time, and while stress may be a temporary condition, its effects, particularly on your oral health, can create lasting problems, including jaw tension, tooth wear, and other damage. Here are some common questions we get about stress and our advice on how you can minimize its effects on your oral health:
Can stress really cause jaw pain and headaches?
Yes! When you’re stressed, you may unconsciously clench your jaw or grind your teeth—especially in your sleep. Over time, this strains your jaw muscles, leading to soreness, headaches, and even TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues.
What to do: If you’re waking up with jaw pain or tension headaches, ask us about a custom nightguard to protect your teeth and relieve pressure on your jaw.
Why do my gums feel more sensitive when I’m under stress?
Stress can trigger inflammation throughout your body—including in your gums. It also weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight off bacteria that cause gum irritation, swelling, and bleeding.
What to do: Stay consistent with brushing and flossing, and schedule regular dental cleanings to keep your gums healthy.
Does stress really make me more likely to get cavities?
It can! Stress often triggers less-than-ideal behaviors—like reaching for sugary snacks or skipping your nighttime brushing routine when you’re exhausted. It can also contribute to dry mouth, which reduces saliva production and makes it easier for bacteria to cause cavities.
What to do: Drink plenty of water, limit sugary foods, and keep up with your daily brushing and flossing routine—even on your busiest days.
I’ve been getting more mouth sores than usual. Could stress be to blame?
Yes, stress is a known cause of canker sores, which can make eating and speaking uncomfortable. Stress-related behavior, like biting the inside of your cheek or brushing too aggressively, can also lead to minor irritations in your mouth.
What to do: If you frequently get mouth sores, try to manage stress with exercise, deep breathing, or relaxation techniques. If a sore lasts longer than two weeks or becomes painful, your dentist can recommend treatment options.
Should I schedule a dental visit if I’m feeling stressed?
Definitely! Stress can impact your oral health in subtle ways, and a dental checkup is the best way to catch any issues early. Your dentist can look for signs of grinding, check your gum health, and offer solutions to help protect your smile.
What to do: If you’ve noticed changes in your teeth or gums, don’t wait—early intervention can prevent bigger problems in the future.
Take Charge of Your Oral Health
Sometimes stress is unavoidable, but its effects on your teeth and gums don’t have to be. Keeping up with regular dental visits, staying hydrated, and practicing stress management can help protect your smile. If stress has been affecting your smile, let’s talk. Contact our dental office located in Kewaskum, WI to schedule an appointment and keep your oral health on track—no matter what life throws your way.
