{"id":3007,"date":"2024-11-26T17:58:55","date_gmt":"2024-11-26T17:58:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mycostamesadentist.com\/blog\/?p=3007"},"modified":"2025-02-11T15:10:02","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T15:10:02","slug":"how-holiday-stress-can-affect-your-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mycostamesadentist.com\/blog\/how-holiday-stress-can-affect-your-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Holiday Stress Can Impact Your Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but naturally it can be a little bit stressful, too. Between the packed agenda of gatherings, gift shopping, marathon cooking, travel, and navigating the personalities of family members, there\u2019s a lot to be anxious about. Unfortunately, this can sometimes take its toll on not just your mental health, but your oral health<\/a>, too. This year don\u2019t let seasonal stress affect your teeth and gums. Here\u2019s how it can harm your mouth, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Bruxism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bruxism, or tooth grinding, typically occurs during times of high stress. Unfortunately, you may not even realize that you\u2019re doing it. This can make catching it and stopping it difficult. Before you know it, you could experience cracked, worn, or chipped teeth. If you catch yourself doing this, try to stop, but if you\u2019re struggling to quit on your own, speak to your dentist about having a custom bite guard made. These can help remind you to stop grinding, but they can also cushion your teeth so that when you do, the guard absorbs the pressure and not your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TMJ dysfunction \/ Jaw Pain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Grinding isn\u2019t the only way you can manifest stress in your mouth. Clenching your jaw can still cause a great deal of discomfort even if your teeth never contact each other. Holding your jaw in a stiff position can cause jaw soreness and difficulty opening and closing your mouth to eat or speak. If you are suffering from this type of pain, talk to your dentist about treatment for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Negligent Hygiene<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re tired and stressed, it can be easy to fall out of routine, especially if you\u2019re traveling. Don\u2019t let disruptions to your schedule prevent you from caring for your teeth and gums this holiday season. Be sure to make time to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day so you don\u2019t get any cavities or gum disease after enjoying all those tasty holiday treats!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canker Sores<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Canker sores can be painful but thankfully they are harmless and should go away within a week or so. They can be triggered by biting your cheek, brushing too vigorously, and even by stress. If you get one, be careful not to bite it accidentally, as this can make it take longer to heal. You can try dabbing a bit of OTC numbing gel on them if they are bothering you or try a pain reliever like ibuprofen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Protect Your Oral Health from Anxiety and Stress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know how stress can take its toll on your oral health, here are a few things you can do to help keep your teeth and gums safe and healthy under duress:<\/p>\n\n\n\n