“Stress” is a word we hear and use all the time, but what does it actually mean? Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure, a feeling of strain and tension in the body caused by problems in your life or work. It can be caused by both good and bad experiences. Although negative events lead to higher levels of stress, positive events can lead to feelings of excessive happiness and excitement, overwhelming the body with an excess of energy.

How Does Stress Affect Oral Health?

Stress takes a tremendous toll on your body. When we’re stressed, our bodies release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones cause blood pressure to rise, breathing to become rapid, and heart rate to increase. If stress becomes chronic, this can cause high blood pressure and other heart-related illnesses. It can also interfere with sleep; sleep deprivation can have a negative impact on the immune system and increase the risk of developing both diabetes and heart disease. And did you know that your oral health can also be negatively affected by stress?

A body under stress may have difficulty fighting off oral diseases. Additional medications taken to manage stress levels can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. There’s also a strong link between stress and gum disease. The constant production of stress hormones makes gum tissue more prone to infection, and people with poor oral hygiene habits are at an even greater risk of developing periodontitis when under stress.

What Are the Signs of Stress in Oral Health?

When we’re stressed, we don’t always have the best eating habits or behaviors. We may eat more sugary foods, forget to brush and floss regularly, or skip visits to the dentist altogether. All of these actions can lead to oral health problems, including gum disease and tooth decay. Don’t overlook these signs! If you notice any of these symptoms, call us to make an appointment as soon as possible. We’re always happy to help patients in the most stressful of situations.

We care about your dental health, so we’ll also work with you to preserve it as best as possible, no matter what kind of situation you’re in! If you suffer from anxiety about dental visits, ask us if sedation dentistry is right for you. We can provide oral medication to help you relax during your visits, so you’ll be more comfortable and won’t experience the gag reflex.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Summit Family Dental Care, call (541) 779-2634 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 1420 E. McAndrews Rd, Medford, OR 97504.