Seasonal Stress: How It Can Negatively Impact Your Oral Health

While trying to embrace the joy of the season, you may be struggling to get into the holiday spirit because of the goodie bags you have to make for your kid’s class party, the last-minute shopping that needs to get done, and a house that needs cleaning before family arrives. Holiday stress is a real problem, and it can take a toll not only on your mental well-being but also on your oral health. Spend some time learning what kind of problems can develop and what you can do to relax and enjoy this time of year.

Stress & Your Smile: What It Can Do to Your Oral Health

Stress is an unfortunate reaction your body experiences when you become overwhelmed or strained mentally, physically, or emotionally. Headaches, forgetfulness, irritation, and even digestive problems can all be common side effects that negatively impact your body and brain. However, what you may not realize is that it can also lead to neglected self-care and many common oral health problems.

During the holidays, your stress may increase, resulting in damage and decay. This can happen when:

• You Grind Your Teeth. Bruxism, which is the grinding or clenching of your teeth, is a common side effect of stress – one that many people experience unknowingly while asleep. It causes damage to your tooth enamel and persistent jaw pain. Without treatment, it can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and more.
• You Mindlessly Snack. If you tend to “eat your feelings,” you may reach for unhealthy snacks when stressed. Since the holidays are marked with countless sweet treats everywhere you look, it can be easy to consume too much and develop cavities.
• You Neglect Your Oral Hygiene Routine. When stress becomes too much, you may forget or become indifferent about taking proper care of your teeth and gums. Neglecting daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing can result in dental decay, gum disease, and ultimately, necessary restorative care.

Ways to Protect Your Smile & Manage Your Stress

It might seem impossible to manage your stress this time of year, but it is doable. Knowing what can trigger these feelings is important so that you can step back and regroup before it has a chance to grow and become detrimental to your oral and overall health.

A few ways you lower your stress and ultimately enjoy a healthier, damage-free smile include:

• Making time to get plenty of rest
• Talking to a friend or counselor if necessary
• Incorporating exercise into your daily routine (i.e., taking a walk, going for a run, doing yoga)
• Getting a massage to allow your body to relax
• Eat healthy foods that are full of valuable nutrients
• Minimize the number of planned activities or establish a budget when buying gifts
• Let someone else host this year

By practicing these tips, you’ll find that you take the time to practice good oral hygiene. As a result, your oral health will remain in better shape, allowing you to (sincerely) smile brighter this holiday season.

About the Author
Dr. Brandon Kearbey is a dentist in Hillsboro who has more than 15 years of experience. Using only the best technologies and innovative solutions to restore and rebuild smiles, he and his wife, Dr. Malinda Kearbey, work together to help patients take better care of their teeth and gums each year. However, when certain holidays arrive, they offer more timely tips to avoid common oral health problems, like cavities, gum disease, etc. If the upcoming season has you feeling stressed, visit our website or call (503) 640-4262 to learn what you can do to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.