Common dental issues, such as tooth pain, gum problems and teeth grinding, can often be linked to stress1. In this guide, we’ll explore how stress can affect your teeth and gums, and how you can manage stress for better oral health.
Read on to learn more about the impact of stress on oral health.
How stress can affect your teeth and gums
We can all feel stressed from time to time2, especially when faced with challenging situations or sudden change2. However, too much stress can affect your oral health, particularly your teeth and gums3, if it is not carefully managed.
Can stress cause tooth pain?
Yes, high levels of stress could lead to tooth pain1. This is because when we are stressed or anxious, the muscles in our head and neck can become tense, including our jaw muscles1. This can then cause painful sensations in our teeth, and increase the chances of dental friction/grinding1. Research also suggests that stress and anxiety can heighten the body’s perception of pain, and cause increased levels of discomfort1.
Can stress cause gum disease?
Stress is known to sometimes impact our immune system and how it responds to inflammation and infections1. This could therefore have an impact on existing gum disease1, while poor oral care due to being distracted when you’re stressed can also increase your chance of gum disease3.
Can stress cause tooth decay?
Neglecting oral hygiene and adopting unhealthy eating habits when you’re stressed can increase your risk of cavities and tooth decay3. Stress can also influence ‘unstimulated salivary flow rate’4. When saliva levels are lower, this can increase the risk of tooth decay5.
The link between stress and teeth grinding
When you experience involuntary grinding or clenching of your teeth, this is known as ‘bruxism’7. It can happen when you’re awake, or when you’re sleeping – and is often linked to stress7.
Exploring the stress connection
Stress can subconsciously cause you to grind your teeth7, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed7. Anxiety or depression can also increase your risk of bruxism7. While many people grind their teeth from time to time, prolonged bruxism can strain your teeth and jaws7. Over time, this could lead to dental damage, headaches, jaw pain and other issues7.
Signs you may be grinding your teeth at night
It can be difficult to tell if you have bruxism, as it can happen when you’re asleep and unaware that you’re doing it7. However, if have any of the following symptoms, this could be a sign that you’re unknowingly grinding your teeth at night7,8:
Headaches when waking up
Earaches
Sore jaw muscles
Pain when chewing
Worn-down or broken teeth
Disturbed sleep
Face, neck and shoulder pain.
A partner may also make you aware if they have heard you grinding your teeth during the night.
If you know or suspect that you grind your teeth in your sleep, or when you are awake in response to stress, book an appointment with your dentist8. Regular dental check-ups can help you manage your teeth grinding, and address any damage it may have caused8.
How to treat stress-induced teeth grinding
Treatment for bruxism isn’t always required8. However, the following options may help:
Wear a mouth guard or mouth splint (if recommended by your dentist) to protect your teeth while you sleep8.
Speak to your GP about treatments for reducing stress8, such as cognitive behavioural therapy7.
Find ways to manage stress, for example, through meditation and exercise7.
Schedule regular dental check-ups.
How to manage stress for better oral health
Stress and oral health are closely linked3. When your stress levels are high, you may start to notice problems with your mouth, teeth and gums3. However, managing your stress levels can help keep your mouth healthy3.
Maintain a Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine
Following a consistent oral hygiene routine is vital, even when you’re stressed. Don’t let stress interrupt your brushing and flossing habits. Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and make your dental care routine part of your stress-reducing ritual.
Practise Daily Stress Relief Techniques
When we’re stressed, we can unintentionally clench our jaw or grind our teeth9. However, practising relaxation techniques may help to ease any tension in this area9. Deep breathing can also help us manage stress, along with exercising, journalling and yoga10.
Stay Hydrated to Combat Dry Mouth
As noted, stress can influence unstimulated salivary flow rate4, and a lack of saliva can increase the risk of tooth decay5,11. So, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day12.
Avoid Unhealthy Habits
Avoid turning to unhealthy habits such as alcohol and smoking to cope with stress13. While these habits may provide temporary stress relief, they won’t solve your problems and could also impact your oral health as well13. Try to focus on tackling the root cause of your stress instead13.
Limit Sugar and Caffeine Intake
Sometimes stress can cause us to overeat or indulge in more ultra-processed foods10.
Eating too much sugar can also cause tooth decay14. So, try to reduce the amount of food and drinks you consume that contain free sugars, such as sweets, cakes and dried fruit 14. Try to consume healthier alternatives instead.
Get Enough Sleep Each Night
Your nighttime activities can also impact your oral health. Lack of sleep can increase our stress levels15, which can result in bruxism7. Practicing stress relief techniques before bedtime, however, may help with sleepless nights15. You can also try limiting screen time or creating a consistent bedtime routine to help you unwind before bed.
Use Mouthwash to Support Oral Health
Adding a mouthwash with fluoride to your oral hygiene routine can help prevent tooth decay16. LISTERINE® Total Care Milder Taste Mouthwash is an alcohol free, fluoride mouthwash.
LISTERINE® Total Care Milder Taste:
Reduces plaque causing germs
Strengthens enamel
Protects teeth and gums
Get Support When You Need It
Oral health is a key part of your overall wellbeing17. So, if stress is affecting your wellbeing or dental health, don’t be afraid to speak to your GP, dentist, or a medical health professional for support.
Avoiding the dentist due to stress or a busy schedule could make any problems more difficult to treat in the future18. However, regular dental check-ups can help your dentist catch any stress-related dental problems early and help keep your mouth healthy18.
FAQs
While stress can’t directly cause a tooth infection, increased stress levels can impact the effective functioning of our immune systems1. This includes how our immune system responds to infections1. An impaired response to oral infection could lead to inflamed gums and pain1.
Stress can increase your chance of getting mouth sores3. These small spots can appear inside your mouth in pairs or in larger numbers3, and are typically white or grey with red borders3. They usually disappear within a week to 10 days3, but consult a medical professional if you are concerned.
Regular dental check-ups can help your dentist detect any potential stress-related oral problems early, and advise on the best course of action to improve any hygiene or other related issues18.