It’s no secret that job stress can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health. But did you know that it can also take a toll on oral health? That’s right – the same stress that makes you more likely to skip brushing your teeth or causes you to forget to floss can also lead to cavities, gum disease, and other problems.

Here are five ways that job stress can affect your oral health:

1. Job stress can lead to poor oral health habits, like skipping brushing your teeth or not flossing regularly. This can happen when you find yourself overworking and not having the necessary time to address important hygiene habits.

2. Job stress can also cause you to snack more, often on sugary or high-carbohydrate foods, which can contribute to tooth decay.

3. Overworking can also lead to mouth dryness, which can promote the growth of bacteria and lead to gum disease. An easy way to help combat this is to keep a water bottle at your desk.

4. Stress can also make it difficult to keep up with regular dental appointments, which means that problems are more likely to go undetected and untreated.

5. Finally, job stress can lead to teeth grinding or clenching, which can wear down tooth enamel and cause other problems like jaw pain or headaches.

If you’re feeling stressed out at work, don’t forget to take care of your oral health. Schedule a checkup and cleaning with your dentist if it’s been a while, and be sure to brush and floss regularly. Taking care of your teeth can help reduce stress and keep you healthy overall.

 

Article originally appeared at: https://www.smileguide.com/

Author: Smile Guide