Hello Capilli Dental Community,

Welcome back to the Quick Tips Series: 5-Minute Dental Wisdom, where we break down essential oral care habits into easy, actionable steps. Today, we’re diving into a surprising connection—how stress impacts your teeth and gums.

Stress affects more than just your mood and energy levels; it can have serious consequences for your oral health. Here’s what you need to know and how to protect your smile.

1. Stress and Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

When under stress, many people unconsciously clench their jaw or grind their teeth, especially at night. This can lead to:

• ✅ Tooth wear and fractures – Chronic grinding wears down enamel, increasing sensitivity and the risk of fractures.

• ✅ Jaw pain and headaches – Excess pressure on the jaw joint can result in persistent pain, tension headaches, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.

• ✅ Increased risk of cavities – Weakened enamel makes teeth more vulnerable to decay.

Quick Tip: If you wake up with a sore jaw or headaches, consult your dentist about using a custom night guard to protect your teeth.

2. Stress and Gum Disease

Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections—including those that affect your gums. This can lead to:

• ✅ Inflammation and bleeding gums – A key sign of gum disease (gingivitis) that can progress to periodontitis if untreated.

• ✅ Slower healing – Cuts, ulcers, or infections in the mouth take longer to heal when stress levels are high.

• ✅ Increased risk of tooth loss – Advanced gum disease can damage the tissues that support your teeth, leading to tooth loss over time.

Quick Tip: Managing stress with relaxation techniques and maintaining good oral hygiene can help protect your gums from long-term damage.

3. Stress and Dry Mouth

When stressed, your body produces more cortisol (the stress hormone), which can reduce saliva flow, leading to dry mouth. This increases the risk of:

• ✅ Cavities – Saliva helps neutralize acids and wash away bacteria, so reduced saliva production can lead to more plaque buildup.

• ✅ Bad breath – A dry mouth creates the perfect environment for bacteria that cause halitosis.

• ✅ Discomfort while eating and speaking – Lack of moisture can make it difficult to chew, swallow, and talk comfortably.

Quick Tip: Stay hydrated and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production and keep your mouth moist.

4. Stress and Unhealthy Oral Habits

When overwhelmed, people often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms that harm their teeth and gums, such as:

• ✅ Increased sugar intake – Stress cravings can lead to excessive consumption of sweets, increasing the risk of cavities.

• ✅ Skipping oral hygiene routines – Stress can make it easy to neglect brushing and flossing, leading to plaque buildup.

• ✅ Nail biting and lip chewing – These habits can cause tooth damage, jaw strain, and irritation to the gums and lips.

Quick Tip: If stress is affecting your oral health habits, set reminders for brushing and flossing, and find healthier alternatives for stress relief, like exercise or meditation.

What’s Next?

In our next edition of the Quick Tips Series: 5-Minute Dental Wisdom, we’ll cover "Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Causes and Simple Solutions"—helping you identify the warning signs and protect your teeth from damage.

To your oral health,
The Capilli Dental Team

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Disclaimer:

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice.
Always consult with a licensed dental professional before making any changes to your oral care routine.