Stress is a fact of life. There’s both good and bad stress. The good type keeps us motivated and encourages us to stay on track, while the bad stuff can wreak havoc on our health and general well-being. April is National Stress Awareness Month, so let’s shine the spotlight on stress.
Stress is defined as the body’s response to any type of demand or threat. It brings on emotional, mental, and physical changes such as anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and sweaty palms. The “flight-or-fright” reaction is the body’s automatic response to stress.
Stress Statistics
Stress can be broken down into different categories: routine (work, school, family, etc.), sudden change (divorce, job loss, moving, etc.), and traumatic event (car accident, assault, natural disaster, etc.). Family, finances, health, relationships, and work are some of the most common everyday stressors that we experience.
According to Market Watch, a survey conducted by Northwestern Mutual concluded that money is the biggest source of stress for Americans, followed by personal relationships and work. Makes sense when you think of how money trickles into all aspects of life. An article published in Forbes states that workplace stress in on the rise with overall employee stress levels having risen 20% in three decades. How many of you are unhappy with your current job? Please don’t raise your hand.
Stress Hurts Your Health
Stress has a negative impact on your health, from minor symptoms such as butterflies in your stomach to high blood pressure. Everyday Health says that chronic stress has become a national epidemic, stemming from a complex combination of socioeconomic, environmental, genetic, physical, and spiritual factors. It’s a serious problem that can affect your ability to function properly.
Side effects of stress include:
- Anxiety and depression
- GI issues (upset stomach, ulcers)
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Trouble concentrating
- Weakened immune system
- Weight gain
Stress and Your Mouth
You may not realize it, but your mouth feels the burden of stress just like the rest of your body. It’s important to know the symptoms and how to treat them.
Here’s how stress affects oral health.
-Bad Breath: Stress can cause acid reflux, which not only burns your esophagus but can make your breath smell.
-Dry Mouth: When you’re stressed, saliva production decreases, which can lead to tooth decay, since saliva is the mouth’s natural cleanser.
-Gum Disease: Research has linked stress with an increased risk of developing periodontal disease, which is no match for a weakened immune system.
-Infection: Since stress weakens your immune system, it can be harder to fight off an infection or oral abscess.
-Jaw Pain: Stress can cause you to clench your jaw or grind your teeth, which can lead to pain and TMJ problems.
-Mouth Sores: Annoying but harmless, canker sores are thought to be connected to stress. Cold sores (highly contagious) are often triggered by stress or trauma to the mouth.
Coping with Stress
Since stress is inevitable, it comes down to how we handle it. Everybody has a different threshold when it comes to coping with stress. Some of the most productive methods to manage and minimize the stress in your life include the following: being mindful, deep breathing, exercise, healthy diet, mediation, relaxation, self-care, sleeping, therapy, etc.
If you are concerned about the effects of stress on your oral health, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule an appointment.