Life events affect your oral health. Emotional factors like trauma, stress, and illness can cause you to neglect your dental health habits and increase your risk of gum disease.
When the plaque on your teeth builds up, it can start to form under your gumline. The bacteria irritates your tissues and causes inflammation and infection in your gums and jawbones. Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss or bone loss.
Studies have shown that the severity of gum disease increases with the amount of negative life events. Stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression may cause you to change your daily habits. You may be too focused on other things to remember to brush and floss daily. You might also change your eating habits and consume anything that sounds good, healthy or not. In addition, some people may increase their use of alcohol, nicotine, or drugs to help clear their mind. These behaviors are worsening the condition of your teeth and gums.
Stress also increases the amount of cortisol in your bloodstream. This hormone influences your blood pressure, weight, and mood. Increased levels of cortisol can also cause more gum destruction.
If you’re stressed or suffering from a negative life event, try to relieve your stress through exercise. It’s also important to keep a balanced diet and get plenty of rest.
Dr. Kobak can catch and treat your gum disease at its earliest stages. During your appointment with Syosset Dental, make sure to tell us about any life-changing events or behaviors that may sacrifice your dental care. Contact our dental office in Syosset, NY at 516-433-2211 to schedule an appointment.
