Work, home life, health issues, and environmental factors can all cause stress.¹ This is very common. More than half of Americans feel stressed everyday.² When we don’t manage stress well, it can affect our health, including our mouths.

Here are four oral health symptoms linked to stress:

1. Canker and Cold Sores: These are painful sores that can be caused by emotional stress. They can make it hard to eat or drink, and the pain can be distracting.
2. Gum Disease: This is caused by inflammation of the gum tissue around the tooth. Symptoms may include red, swollen, sore and bleeding gums. In severe cases, it can lead to tooth loss. Stress is thought to weaken the immune system, making it easier for gum disease to develop. People who are stressed tend to neglect their oral hygiene.
3. Tooth Decay: Stress can contribute to tooth decay which develops in the outer layer of the teeth. It can only be treated by a dentist. People often eat unhealthy foods when they’re feeling stressed. Unhealthy foods like candy and chocolate can cause tooth decay. That’s because they contain high levels of sugar, which feeds the acid-producing bacteria that cause tooth decay.
4. Bruxism: This disorder is characterized by clenching and grinding the teeth. This can cause serious problems for your teeth and overall health. Nearly 70 percent of bruxism cases are caused by stress or anxiety.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you may be overly stressed. It’s important to remember that when we are stressed, we might begin to neglect our oral hygiene. But it’s important for your overall health to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you are struggling with stress, your dentist might be able to help.

At your next visit bring your two-minute My Dental Assessment to share how your overall health is doing.

Click here to read more about this and other important topics in the United Concordia Dental Wellness Connection Newsletter.  Be sure to visit the United Concordia Dental provider page on ACSHIC.com to learn more about the benefits available to ACSHIC members.

[1] As Women are at Higher Risk for Eye Disease, Prevent Blindness Declares April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month; Prevent Blindness; 2021. Retrieved February 2024

[2] What is Stress?; The American Institute of Stress; 2023. Retrieved March 2024.