Now that the holidays are coming up, there is so much to look forward to. Whether you enjoy stringing up lights around your home, baking some of your favorite sweet treats, or spending some extra time with friends and family, you are bound to get some enjoyment from the season. However, with the holidays comes stress as well. Continue reading to learn about some of the ways that holiday stress can negatively impact your smile and what you can do about it.
4 Oral Health Issues Impacted by Holiday Stress
Stress can negativity impact our smiles in various ways. Here are some of the negative effects stress has on our oral health:
- Bruxism: Bruxism consists of teeth grinding and clenching, usually while one sleeps. Many people don’t even realize that they are doing this. While the primary cause of clenching is an improper bite, having additional stress can make bruxism more present and painful. This can result in teeth wearing, headaches, a sore jaw, broken teeth, and more.
- Canker Sores: Biting on your cheek, brushing with excess pressure, and having lots of stress can all lead to the development of canker sores in your mouth. These non-contagious mouth ulcers can be painful, but they usually go away on their own with time.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease is incredibly common. It affects more than half of adults over the age of 30. Having additional stressors throughout the holidays can have an impact on your gum health.
- Dry Mouth: People who are experiencing stress often produce less saliva than normal. When you combine that with some of the dehydrating holiday foods, like alcoholic beverages, dry mouth can be made even worse.
9 Ways to Maintain Excellent Oral Health During the Holidays
By reducing stressors and keeping up with an excellent oral hygiene routine, you can reduce your risk of oral health issues. Here are some tips:
- Maintain a balanced diet
- Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night
- Stay active
- Find time to relax and meditate
- Remember to brush twice and floss daily
- See your dentist every six months for regular checkups
- Use a humidifier
- Stay hydrated
- Talk to your dentist about getting a nightguard for bruxism
Don’t let holiday stress take away from the health of your smile. By taking the steps listed above, you can enjoy the holiday season and keep your pearly whites healthy!
About the Practice
At Southwest Dental Arts, Dr. Helen Harless and Dr. Daniel Travelle work together to serve patients in the Boise community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (208) 322-5655.