Stress And Oral Health: How to Chill Out and Keep Your Mouth Healthy

We all know stress is bad for us, but did you know it can wreak havoc on your oral health, too?

In this article, we’re going to get into the nitty-gritty about what stress actually does to the body and, even more specifically – the effect it has on our oral health. We’ll also be suggesting some great techniques to help you chill out a little bit more!

The Stress Response: Fight or Flight Gone Wrong

When you’re stressed, your body goes into overdrive. Your brain fires up the “fight or flight” response, releasing a burst of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This gets your heart racing, your breath quickening, and your muscles tense – all to prepare you to face danger.

But this isn’t meant to last forever. The problem is chronic stress keeps this fight-or-flight mode constantly activated. Over time, this can be a drain on your adrenal glands, leading to digestive issues, a higher risk of heart disease, and a weakened immune system.

Some experts even believe stress is a major player in many illnesses. They point to the stress hormones lowering your white blood cell and NK cell (natural killer cell) count, which are crucial for fighting infections and even cancer. This makes you more vulnerable to getting sick and having trouble healing.

How does stress affect your oral health?

Mouth Sores: Feeling stressed? You might just wake up with a canker sore or cold sore as a nasty surprise.

Skipping Oral Hygiene: When you’re overwhelmed, brushing and flossing can fall by the wayside. This is a recipe for disaster for your teeth and gums.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Do you clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night? Stress is a major culprit. This can wear down your teeth and cause jaw pain.

Poor Diet: Comfort food cravings, anyone? Stress can lead you to reach for sugary or unhealthy snacks, which are bad news for your teeth.

Dry Mouth: Feeling parched? Stress can zap your mouth of saliva, which is essential for washing away food particles and preventing cavities.

Gum Disease: A weakened immune system from stress makes it harder for your body to fight off gum infections.

Chill Out for a Healthy Smile

We know managing stress can feel impossible, but even small changes can make a big difference. Here are some tips:

Deep Breathing: Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath. Inhale slowly, hold for a count of three, and exhale slowly. Repeat for a few cycles.

Meditation: Just 10-15 minutes of meditation a day can work wonders for calming your mind.

Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains gives your body the nutrients it needs to fight stress.

Exercise: Physical activity is a great stress reliever. Find something you enjoy, like walking, swimming, or dancing.

Regular Dental Care: Don’t let stress prevent you from seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.

Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. By managing your stress, you can keep your smile healthy and bright.

Want to Learn More?

Check out our previous article, “The Fascinating Link Between Stress and Oral Health,” for a more in-depth look at the science behind stress and its impact on your mouth, as well as some detailed tips on how to meditate. We also have a “7-Day Mind and Body Detox” program with delicious recipes, exercises, and tips for a positive mindset.

De-stress your gums 

Stress contributes hugely to inflammation. 

A study in the Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that people who react emotionally to a stressful situation, such as giving a presentation at work or someone ‘pressing their buttons,’ increases circulating interleukin-6 (a marker of inflammation).

Christopher P. Cannon, M.D., a professor at Harvard Medical School, says,

“Stress increases blood pressure and heart rate, making your blood vessels work harder. Essentially, you’re pounding on them more often and creating damage. If that damage happens over and over, inflammation persists.”

And you know what happens if inflammation persists?

Gum disease. 

Gums need soothing.

Good-Gums to the rescue! 

This all-natural solution for gum health is designed to work with your body to fight inflammation and promote healthy gums.

Here’s how Good-Gums works:

Nourishes Gums: Packed with Vitamin C and minerals, Good-Gums helps rebuild and strengthen gum tissue.

Soothes Discomfort: Myrrh and peppermint calm and soothe irritated gums.

Reduces Bacteria: Natural antimicrobials like peppermint and cinnamon help control plaque-causing bacteria. Baking soda helps neutralize acidity, making the mouth less hospitable to these bacteria.

Removes Plaque: Cranberry, a powerful antioxidant, loosens plaque buildup for easier removal with brushing and flossing.

Your inflamed gums can improve by the combination of these three strategies: 

• active nutritional help for the formation of healthier gum cells
• soothing sore tissue
• reducing the use of toxic products (such as toothpaste)

Try Good-Gums today!

This unique formula, which contains everything your teeth and gums need to heal and restore, takes effect straight away. 

Don’t believe us. Try it and see!