The Link Between Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Your Smile
Your Emotional Health Can Affect Your Teeth
Your mouth is often a mirror of your mental health. When stress, anxiety, or depression creep in, everyday habits like brushing and flossing can slip. Skipping cleanings, eating more sugary foods, or putting off dental visits can all lead to plaque buildup, gum irritation, and tooth decay.
Stress Often Shows Up in Your Mouth
Tension and worry don’t just live in your mind—they can affect your teeth and jaw. Grinding or clenching your teeth without realizing it is common during stressful periods. This can lead to enamel wear, sensitivity, and even fractures. Stress can also weaken your immune system, leaving you more prone to gum infections or flare-ups like canker sores.
Depression and Anxiety Can Interrupt Self-Care
Depression and anxiety can make it difficult to keep up with daily routines. Missing just a few days of brushing or flossing allows harmful bacteria to multiply, and some medications for mental health can cause dry mouth, raising the risk for cavities and persistent bad breath.
Support Your Smile and Your Well-Being
A consistent oral care routine can be a small but powerful way to support your overall health. Brushing twice a day, flossing, staying hydrated, and using an electric toothbrush can help protect your teeth even during stressful times. If mental health challenges are making oral care difficult, let me know during your next appointment—I can recommend tools and treatments that help.
Schedule Your Visit and Protect Your Smile
If it’s been a while since your last check-up, now is a great time to come in. Schedule an appointment today, and together we’ll keep your smile healthy—so you can feel confident inside and out.
Sincerely,
Ramy Bahu, DDS
