Holiday Stress and Your Oral Health – Are They Related?

Holidays are filled with fun and time spent with loved ones, but let’s face it. They can be stressful! There’s plenty of new research showing how stress can negatively affect your general health, which begs the question – can it also impact your oral health?

As it turns out, the answer is yes! Keep reading to learn how holiday anxiety and these uncomfortable dental symptoms are related.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Strong emotions sometimes find strange ways of expressing themselves. If you’re angry, you might ball up your fists. When you’re surprised, your throat might tighten. And when you’re stressed about all the presents you have to find and wrap, you might grind or clench your teeth! Also known as bruxism, this habit puts excessive strain on your pearly whites and can result in premature wear and tear.

Dry Mouth

Did you know that when you get stressed, your mouth dries up? Decreased saliva production might not sound like a troublesome symptom, but saliva actually helps wash away loose bacteria and gives your teeth a quick wash. Add all the sugary treats you’ll likely be enjoying, and you have a recipe for a cavity disaster!

Canker Sores

Not everyone develops oral canker sores when they’re experiencing chronic nervousness, but if you’re one of the unfortunate, you might notice tender bumps on the inside of your mouth. While they can certainly be uncomfortable, they tend to go away on their own after a week or two. For relief, you can get an over-the-counter topical medication, such as benzocaine.

Skipping Brushing and Flossing

One of the first things you probably want to do during a week of holiday frenzy is sleep. Which means you probably won’t feel like keeping up with your daily routines, like brushing and flossing! That’s understandable, but it’s best to take some time for your oral hygiene. Otherwise, bacteria build up could lead to tooth decay or gum disease.

You might be expecting some holiday stress this time of year. If you start to experience physical symptoms or changes to your oral health, though, it might be a good idea to take a break! Your dentist will be happy to treat your symptoms so you can enjoy the holidays without worries.

About the Practice

At Lancaster Family Smiles, our three dentists are highly trained in multiple dental treatments, meaning you can count on us for quality, comprehensive care. We’re focused on providing a positive experience for our patients and take the time to get to know them and their smiles so we can personalize their treatment. Whether you need help with bruxism, cavities, canker sores, or oral hygiene, we’ll make sure your needs are met! To contact our office, call 469-729-7707.