Can stress affect your mouth, teeth, and gums? Absolutely. Stress can cause mouth sores, teeth grinding, poor oral hygiene, and gum disease.
Brainwave entrainment is a neuro-technological tool that stimulates the brain to function at specific brainwave frequencies. By introducing specific sounds at specific frequencies, the brain mimics the stimulus and changes its predominant frequency accordingly.
Each frequency produces a different result. The brainwave frequency that counters the effects of stress decreases the overproduction of the stress hormone cortisol and increases the production of hormones that mitigate cortisol’s damaging effects on oral health.
Excessive stress, cortisol overproduction, and other stress-related hormones have a significant impact on oral health.
Mouth Sores:
– Excessive stress can cause canker sores, which are small ulcers with a white or gray base, bordered in red. They appear inside the mouth and can be painful. Research suggests that stress compromises the immune system, leaving room for bacteria and viruses to thrive.
– Canker sores are not contagious and typically resolve within a week to 10 days.
Teeth Grinding:
– Stress may lead to teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism), whether consciously or unconsciously.
– Teeth grinding, if left unchecked, may result in TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, causing intense headaches, jaw pain, and difficulty opening the mouth.
Poor Oral Hygiene:
– Under extreme stress, mood can be affected, leading to a lack of proper self-care, including skipping brushing teeth.
– Stress also impacts dietary choices, often causing cravings for carbohydrates and simple sugars. These food choices increase the risk of tooth decay and weight gain.
Gum Disease:
– Stress can contribute to increased dental plaque formation, leading to bleeding gums (gingivitis) and gum disease. Severe gum disease may result in tooth loss.
– If stress levels remain high, the immune system’s natural protection weakens, making individuals more susceptible to disease.
Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of brainwave entrainment in reducing or eliminating stress.
By reducing or eliminating stress, individuals can protect and even improve their oral health.
Who would have thought that feeling happy could impact the health of your teeth?
