Stress and worries: the impact on your teeth

Nervous breakdowns and tension caused by work or family conflicts can be disastrous for your smiling health. According to scientists at the University of Zurich, stress regularly affects your teeth, and its effects are just as damaging as eating sweet treats.

According to experts, stress causes an increase in the levels of the hormone cortisol in the body, which, among other things, weakens the immune system. As a result, the body becomes less able to resist pathogens, which is especially critical for the teeth. Stress can result in tooth decay, stomatitis, periodontitis, and even the loss of previously healthy teeth.

In addition to its direct effects on the body, stress affects our habits. During times of stress, we tend to increase our use of tobacco and alcohol, as well as over-consume sugary foods and medications. Not surprisingly, under conditions of nervous tension, we often ignore oral care routines. Many people start grinding their teeth or clenching their jaws, which further exacerbates the negative effects of stress on dental health.

Realizing the damage that stress does to our teeth should be an additional motivator to maintain mental health. Regular relaxation techniques, tending to your emotional well-being, and practicing good dental hygiene can be effective methods of reducing the negative effects of stress on your smiling health.