
09/08/2025
😬 Feeling stressed? Your mouth might be feeling it too.
Stress hormones don’t just crank up your heart rate; they also disrupt the delicate balance in your oral cavity. Here’s how:
What stress can do to your smile:
• Jaw tension & teeth grinding (bruxism) ➡️ headaches, cracked enamel
• Lowered immunity ➡️ more frequent cold sores, mouth ulcers
• Inflammation spikes ➡️ gums bleed or swell more easily, raising gum-disease risk
• Dry mouth ➡️ less protective saliva, faster plaque build-up & decay
• Routine slide ➡️ skipping floss or late-night brushing when you’re exhausted
Simple stress-smart habits:
1️⃣ Breathe & move - mini walks or breathing techniques to calm cortisol levels.
2️⃣ Wear a night guard if you clench or grind.
3️⃣ Sip water often
4️⃣ Keep a travel brush/floss set at your desk for busy days.
5️⃣ Book regular cleanings - catch early signs before they snowball.
Remember: managing stress is self-care from head to tooth. Need help with bruxism, dry mouth, or a stress-check on your gums?
The Dentistry By Design team is here for you. 💬