The Hidden Effects of Stress on Your Teeth and Gums

Stress is not simply a mental or emotional process; it can also present as a physical process with respect to health and, in particular, oral health. Many people connect stress to mental and physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or digestive problems. However, research has shown stress can have a significant impact on one's teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Recognizing these very subtle connections can help you to protect your smile and avoid dental concerns before they arise and become a dental emergency. How Stress Impacts the Mouth: The Science Behind It Stress initiates the body's fight-or-flight response and a surge of hormones (a.k.a. "stress hormones") such as cortisol and adrenaline. While these hormones can help a person cope for short periods of time, prolonged stress or chronic stress will harm normal biological functions by lowering immunity, delaying healing, and increasing the risk of infection. These biological changes to the body can be see...