Stress affects everyone. It can also contribute to your mentalhealth as a result tension and worry within the body and mind. Stress is the body’sway of protecting itself from a perceived threat. Unfortunately, in today’smodern world, we can experience perceived threats daily. This can range fromdeadlines at work, paying your bills, caring for your family members, and ofcourse, global pandemics or economic changes.
When we feel stress, our bodies release two main hormones aspart of its response: cortisol and adrenaline. When there are higher levels ofthese stress hormones in the bloodstream, inflammation can increase in the oralcavity, as well as decrease your body’s immune function. This can result inpoorer gum health as well as an increased risk of tooth decay.
Psychological stress is now considered a risk factor forperiodontal disease. Research has shown that individuals that are chronicallystressed out are at a higher risk for developing gum disease. High stress isalso likely to increase the severity of gum disease and progress more rapidlythan individuals that are not experiencing ongoing stress.
While stress can be unavoidable in life, there are ways tobetter manage it. Eating healthy and exercising routinely is one of the bestways to reduce mental and physical stress in the body. Nourishing your bodywith the right nutrients not only reduces stress, but also provides your bodywith the vitamins and nutrients that are needed for gum health! Exercisingroutinely will help to reduce stress hormones and in turn, can slow theprogression of gum disease. Other ways to reduce stress can include meditating,getting enough rest, talk therapy, and deep breathing exercises.
If you are feeling stressed, it’s important to review the bestapproach to reducing stress with your doctor or therapist. Discussing yourmental health is crucial for your physical and mental well-being.