Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of tooth loss, but scientific research has shown that anxiety and stress, two evils that accompany today’s fast-paced routine, are also major evils in maintaining a beautiful smile.
According to dentist Fabio Azevedo, a specialist in dental implants and consultant in the research and development (R&D) department of the SIN dental implant system, emotional problems affect health and increase the risk of tooth fracture or even tooth loss.
With the rush of daily life, people face extreme stress scenarios due to lack of time to fulfill their demands and obligations. As a result, the situation has caused serious damage to oral health. “Those who are under stress or experience a state of chronic anxiety have a higher chance of developing oral and dental problems. This is because nervousness contributes to reduced saliva flow, which plays an essential role in protecting the mouth,” he says. .
When anxiety and stress persist, the risk of tooth loss increases, according to Dr. Fabio Azevedo. “It is not an overnight process, but in more severe cases, disorders in the mouth cannot be treated, which leads to losses, whether due to fracture, gingivitis or periodontitis,” he said.
The social isolation caused by the COVID-19 virus has also greatly increased the number of dental erosion caused by the long period of uncertainty. “People go to the dentist less regularly, especially the elderly, as a precaution, a warning or a fear. But it is essential to know that the clinic is a very safe and potentially healthy environment because patients are usually very healthy and that surgeon-dentists have strict hygiene protocols And disinfection of the environment and their working tools. As a result, the residents stopped looking for us at the usual pace, a year after the epidemic, we receive many people with advanced caries and broken teeth. ” , explains.
Stress and anxiety can also lead to another very common problem among Brazilians: gnashing of teeth. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that the disease affects about 84 million Brazilians, equivalent to 40% of the country’s population, and the disease is characterized by grinding teeth or a strong fist between them, which leads to closing the muscles of one of them. one item versus another. “In general, it is an unconscious habit that occurs mainly during sleep, but it is possible to make the diagnosis relatively easily because its signs are quite obvious. The person feels pain in the face, head and neck upon awakening and also, notices muscle contraction and the rounded ends of the teeth “, Strengthens.
The solution: keep your oral health up to date
Dr. Fabio warns that early treatment can prevent many oral diseases, including the loss of some elements of the teeth. He concludes, “The main recommendation is to keep your teeth up to date with brushing and to consult your dentist at a certain frequency. Consequently, many problems, such as fracture or tooth loss become more difficult.”
Watch the diseases related to stress and anxiety:
- grating.
- decay
- canker sores
- mouth smell.
- Gingivitis;
- lip herpes;
- dry mouth or burning mouth syndrome (SBA);
How to avoid or prevent problems:
- Get a good night’s sleep, between seven and nine hours;
- Maintain healthy habits, such as exercising at least three times a week;
- make periodic visits to the dentist, so that the specialist can assess whether stress and anxiety are causing problems in the oral cavity;
- Reading a book and taking a relaxing bath before bed helps reduce anxiety;
- Good oral hygiene, brushing three times a day, after meals, and flossing is essential to health.
