Stress can be good or bad for a person. It can cause a person to react in dangerous ways, or it can cause a person to act calmly and rationally in a dangerous situation.

Have you ever thought about the common causes of stress in your life and how they might be impacting your oral health? Often, we overlook the connection between our stress levels and our overall health. However, it is important to realize that there is a strong link between your overall health and stress and how these two factors can impact your teeth.

When your body experiences stress that it cannot manage on its own, it responds with an increased heart rate and a release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These are normal responses the body gives to danger or emergency conditions. Some signs of increased levels of these hormones include feeling jittery, sweaty palms, dry mouth, or shaky hands. While these reactions do serve an important purpose, prolonged exposure to these hormones can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain, and sleep problems.

These health issues can actually cause poor oral health as well because your mouth is directly connected to the rest of your body through your bloodstream. This means that anything going on in your mouth can affect the health of your entire body and vice versa. For example, your immune system can be weakened by poor oral hygiene, which means you are more likely to be exposed to infection and disease throughout your body. Additionally, gum disease has been linked to numerous health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Managing stress is important for both your physical and mental health. If your stress levels are through the roof, make sure you take time each and every day to de-stress, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Take a walk outside to clear your head. Practice deep breathing exercises. Call a friend or loved one just to chat about what’s stressing you out. Whatever you need to do to relax, make sure you get at least a few minutes each day. Remember, your oral health is important to you, so make sure you find a way to keep yourself calm and relaxed.

If you are beginning to experience an increase in your stress levels, you may benefit from talking to your dentist about the best ways to manage stress and improve your health. They may suggest some relaxation techniques, as well as certain medications that can help you manage the symptoms you are experiencing. They may also be able to suggest lifestyle changes you can make to help you better manage your stress levels.

To learn more, please reach out to the dental office located in San Mateo, CA 94401 at (650) 342-8618, and we’ll be happy to help.