There is much to enjoy about the holiday season. However, it can also magnify the stress you perhaps already feel.
Holiday stress can have a detrimental impact on your well-being, physical health, and your oral health. Stress awareness can make a major difference as you navigate the season with a healthy smile.
Stress often shows up without warning. And an often overlooked consequence is its impact on your oral health.
Stress can manifest itself unconsciously in specific habits that are harmful to your teeth, gums, and jaw.
A few unhealthy habits could include:
Holiday related stressors can, of course, add to the mix. Factor in financial pressures, social obligations, and the general holiday hustle due to shopping, travel, and meal preparation and you have the perfect-storm of holiday stress.
It can do you a world of good to pause and reflect on the various aspects of the holidays that tend to cause you the most stress.
Then...be more intentionally mindful about how those stressors affect your well-being and...your oral health.
You might not be aware that you're clenching or grinding your teeth. In fact, it often happens during sleep.
But specific symptoms can identify this as a potential stress-reaction.
A busy schedule and additional holiday tasks can offset your routine. It's essential to stay consistent with your health-related habits including those that affect your dental health.
Dehydration can show up in a variety of ways. Your water intake helps offset the other dietary changes that occur during the holiday season. Plus, being adequately hydrated helps control oral bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.
Intention matters here because it's easy to default to believing that being told to relax is contrary to actually being relaxed.
Manage your stressful moments by doing what works for you such as deep breathing or thoughtful meditation. And again be aware of the symptoms of teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
Take breaks from the holiday hustle. And stay consistent with your health and oral care routines.
Your dentist can provide professional guidance and solutions for stress-related symptoms that are showing up in your oral health.
A custom-fitted night-guard is a common treatment for the potential stress-induced pain caused by teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
The holiday season is full of joyful experiences. And though you might not be able to avoid all the stress, you can apply mindfulness and awareness to its impact on your oral health.
If necessary, take advantage of a convenient option for a dental consultation. Connecting with a licensed, virtual dentist to discuss your potential stress-related dental issue.
The Dental.com team of dental professionals are trained to identify, diagnose, and treat any dental condition. From toothaches to second opinions - you’re covered!
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