Despite the joyous occasions such as family gatherings, gift exchanges, and celebrations that define the holiday season, the organizational challenges behind orchestrating these events can lead to significant stress for many individuals. From the pressure to find the perfect gifts to the concerns about preparing a timely feast, and the stress of wrapping up the work year, the holiday season can become overwhelming. While it’s commonly understood that this type of stress can impact overall health, what may not be as widely recognized is its potential to affect dental health. Here’s how stress can take a toll on your teeth and explore preventive measures.
Teeth Grinding Can Wear You Down
Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, is a prevalent dental health concern that often arises as a response to stress. Individuals may engage in this habit consciously during the day or involuntarily while asleep.
Unfortunately, the resultant stress on the teeth can lead to issues such as chips, cracks, jaw pain, and even headaches. If you find yourself grinding your teeth during waking hours, cultivating mindfulness can aid in breaking this habit.
Conversely, if the grinding occurs during sleep, consulting your dentist for a custom mouthguard designed to be worn at night is advisable. This protective measure absorbs much of the force, safeguarding your teeth from potential harm. In either case, addressing the underlying anxiety contributing to teeth grinding is crucial, and seeking professional assistance may be beneficial.
Dry Mouth Can Leave You Unprotected
While saliva might not be commonly hailed as a marvel, it plays a significant role in maintaining your oral health. Saliva functions to lubricate the teeth, shielding them from injury, and mineralize them to maintain strength.
Additionally, it aids in flushing out bacteria and food debris from the mouth. Unfortunately, both depression and stress have connections to dry mouth, and the anxiety often associated with the holidays can leave your mouth feeling parched.
Combat this by staying well-hydrated through regular water intake. Also, promote saliva flow by chewing sugar-free gum, and using mouthwash specifically designed to address dry mouth.
Canker Sores Are Very Annoying
Numerous individuals experience canker sores as a common reaction to stress. These small sores typically emerge on the cheeks or gums within the oral cavity. Although they can be painful and quite bothersome, they are not contagious and typically heal on their own within a week. Various over-the-counter products tailored to treat canker sores are available at pharmacies and grocery stores.
As you navigate the holiday season, it’s crucial not to let seasonal stress overshadow the joy of the festivities. By staying attuned to your stress responses and actively taking measures to mitigate them, you can ensure that your smile remains in top-notch condition!
About the Practice
Zahner Dental, led by Dr. Warren Zahner, Dr. Shawn Zahner, and Dr. Jonathan Zahner, proudly serves patients living in Ellington as well as the surrounding communities. Their skilled team offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry care to patients, and they can give tips on how to help keep your smile healthy during the holidays. If you want more information on keeping your smile safe during the holiday season or you want to set up an appointment with Zahner Dental, you can contact them at (860) 870-9031 or visit their website.