The dynamic and fast-paced world of today is a great stress inducer. Even though there’s no universal definition for the feeling, most people refer to it as physical, emotion or mental strain.
According to the American Psychological Association, the most common sources of stress include money, work, crime, economy, relationships and health.Moreover, the American Institute of Stress states that 77% of Americans dealing with stress experience physical symptoms of stress regularly, while 73% of them experience psychological symptoms.
There are four different types of stress, which include:
Acute stress – The fight or flight defensive response of the body in certain situations.
Chronic stress –Caused by responsibilities such as bills, work and kids.
Eustress –Stress that has a positive connotation; for instance promotion, marriage and graduation.
Distress – Stress that has negative connotations; for instance stress induced by divorce, injury and financial problems.
When it comes to stress, the other problems we associate with it are anxiety disorders, depression and sleep disorders. But did you know that there’s a strong link between your oral health and stress as well?
A study published by the National Institutes of Health states that along with chronic diseases, psychological stress also contributes to poor oral health.
Here are some ways how.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition in which you may unconsciously grind and clench your teeth, when you’re awake as well as when you’re asleep. This can cause severe damage to your teeth enamel along with causing tooth pain and sore jaws.
Dry Mouth
When the salivary glands stop producing enough saliva, it can cause dry mouth. Along with being a condition caused by stress, dry mouth is also a side-effect of medication and drugs taken to treat depression and anxiety.
Sores
Sores are tiny yet painful ulcers that appear on the inside of your mouth when you’re stressed out. They can cause difficulty in eating and talking.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
The burning mouth syndrome is a condition that causes a burning sensation on the tongue, lips and the inside of the entire mouth. This is believed to be linked to stress and it causes extreme discomfort that can become worse as the day goes on.
Lichen Planus
Caused as a reaction to viral infections you might suffer from due to stress, Lichen Planus is the swelling and irritation in the oral cavity.
