Stress Makes a Huge Impact on Your Teeth When Not Managed

Posted on 6/2/2025 by Premier Dental

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We all experience stress from time to time. It's a natural part of life. But when stress becomes chronic, it can have a significant impact on our overall health, including our oral health.

How Stress Affects Your Oral Health

Stress can manifest in many ways, physically and emotionally. When it comes to your oral health, stress can lead to:

•	Increased teeth grinding and clenching: This can wear down your teeth, chip them, and even loosen them.
•	Gum disease: Stress weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to gum infections.
•	Dry mouth: This reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and bad breath.
•	Canker sores: Stress can trigger the development of these painful ulcers in your mouth.
•	Changes in eating habits: You may find yourself eating more sugary or processed foods when you're stressed, which can further damage your teeth.

Managing Stress for Better Oral Health

The good news is that there are things you can do to manage stress and protect your oral health. Here are a few tips:

•	Identify your stress triggers: What are the things that cause you the most stress? Once you know what they are, you can start to avoid them or find ways to cope with them in a healthier way.
•	Practice relaxation techniques: There are many different relaxation techniques that can help you manage stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.
•	Get enough sleep: When you're well-rested, you're better able to cope with stress. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
•	Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet will give your body the nutrients it needs to fight off stress and stay healthy.
•	Exercise regularly: Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and improve your overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
•	See your dentist regularly: Even if you're doing everything you can to manage stress, it's still important to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This will help to identify any problems early on and prevent them from getting worse.

Restoration Dentistry: Addressing the Damage

If you've already experienced damage to your teeth due to stress, there are a variety of restorative dentistry options available to help repair the damage and restore your smile. These options may include:

•	Fillings: Fillings can be used to repair cavities and other small areas of damage.
•	Crowns: Crowns are used to cover and protect a tooth that has been significantly damaged.
•	Bridges: Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth.
•	Dental implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. They provide a strong and stable foundation for replacement teeth.

Taking Control of Your Oral Health

Stress is a fact of life, but it doesn't have to take a toll on your oral health. By taking steps to manage stress and practicing good oral hygiene, you can keep your smile healthy and bright.

Remember, your oral health is an important part of your overall health. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you're investing in your overall well-being.

Bells
Office

(731) 663-9999

7019 US-412
Bells, TN 38006

Hours:
Mon: 11am - 6pm
Tue: 8am - 5pm
Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thu: 7am - 2pm
Fri: By appt
Sat & Sun: Closed

Jackson
Office

(731) 300-3000

80 Exeter Rd
Jackson, TN 38305

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Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thu: 7am - 2pm
Fri: 8am - 3pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

Milan
Office

(731) 613-2800

14029 S 1st St
Milan, TN 38358

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Tue: 8am - 5pm
Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thu: 7am - 2pm
Fri: By appt
Sat & Sun: Closed

Lexington Office

(731) 617-9818

689 W Church St, Lexington, TN 38351

Hours:
Mon: 11am - 6pm
Tue: 8am - 5pm
Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thu: 7am - 2pm
Fri: Closed
Sat & Sun: Closed

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Premier Dental, 80 Exeter Rd, Jackson, TN 38305, 731-300-3000, premdent.com, 6/21/2025, Tags: Dentist Bells Jackson Milan Lexington,