Understanding the link between stress and oral health can help you take steps toward preventing unhealthy gums. Learn tips to maintain a healthy smile here.

According to the National Library of Medicine, nearly half of US adults have some form of periodontal disease. While brushing and flossing are essential for gum disease prevention, that's only the start. Not many people realize that stress can also cause unhealthy gums.

What exactly is the connection between gum disease and stress, and what signs of gum problems should you look out for? Read on to find out in our guide on improving oral hygiene for better gum health!

According to the American Psychological Association, when adults feel stressed, 76% note that other aspects of their lives are negatively affected. About 36% cite changes to their mental health while 32% notice changes to their physical health. For example, stress can make it difficult to sleep and can lead to teeth grinding.

Stress depletes your immune system, the body's defense against infection and disease. Excessive stress gives harmful bacteria in the mouth the chance to damage your gums. This can lead to an infection called gingivitis.

In its early stages, gingivitis is manageable and treatable. The longer it remains untreated, the more likely it will progress.

You may begin clenching your teeth at night when you experience stress during the day. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can wear down your protective tooth enamel. Symptoms include:

• Flattened teeth
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Loose teeth
• Tooth pain or sensitivity
• Facial pain
• Headaches
• Tired jaw muscles
• Tightness or soreness in the jaw

Without treatment and stress management, bruxism can crack your teeth. Wearing down your protective tooth enamel can expose the dentin underneath. Your teeth may become sensitive to pressure or temperature changes.

When left untreated, you may develop temporomandibular disorder (TMD) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ). You may even lose teeth. Consult your dentist right away if these symptoms sound familiar.

Chronic stress may leave you more vulnerable to tooth decay. You may consume unhealthy foods or pay less attention to your oral hygiene routine. These behaviors can increase your risk of cavities or other oral health problems.

Stress can inhibit saliva production. Saliva rinses food particles and bacteria out of your mouth while acting as an important line of defense against bacteria. Consider exploring stress management techniques before excess stress continues to affect your health. 

Over time, bacteria can break down the tissues around your teeth. During the early stages of gum disease, you may not experience pain. The stages include:

• Gingivitis - features red gums that bleed
• Mild periodontitis - gums begin pulling away from teeth
• Moderate periodontitis - bacteria erodes soft tissues holding your teeth in place
• Advanced periodontitis - bone loss worsens

Many people don't realize they have gingivitis. Signs of gum problems may include:

• Partially dentures no longer fit
• Foul-smelling breath that doesn't go away
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that bleed
• Pus between the gums and teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Sensitivity
• Gums that pull away from your teeth
• Loose teeth

See a dentist or periodontist in Columbia, MD if you experience these symptoms. Without treatment, gum disease can cause complications. According to the American Dental Association, gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Neglecting treatment gives the infection time to spread, leading to periodontitis.Gum disease can increase your risk of chronic health problems, including:

• Diabetes
• Lung disease
• Stroke
• Heart disease

When treated while your gums are only swollen, gum disease is reversible. Delaying treatment leads to bone loss around your teeth. Learning how to immediately recognize these initial signs of gum problems will ensure you seek immediate treatment.

Based on the progression of your gum disease, your dentist may recommend treatments like:

• Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
• Laser treatment like LANAP
• Medications (including oral antibiotics)
• Flap surgery
• bone and tissue grafts
• Dental crown lengthening

LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure. The laser encourages the attachment of healthy gum tissue onto the jawbone. 

The traditional way to treat advanced periodontitis is osseous surgery. During the procedure, your dentist will use scalpels to cut diseased gum tissue away. While effective, this procedure is invasive and has a long recovery time. 

Instead of traditional gum surgery, ask your dentist about LANAP laser gum surgery. The procedure involves:

• Using light frequencies to kill bacteria
• Speeding up the healing process
• Encouraging new tissue growth 

You can review case studies of patients who received LANAP laser gum surgery to determine if it suits your needs. Using a laser helps sterilize the treatment area. This encourages healing, promotes faster tissue growth, and reduces side effects. 

This treatment option continues to win over skeptics. Visit your Columbia dentist to determine if you're an ideal candidate for treatment. 

Potential benefits of choosing LANAP laser gum treatment over traditional methods include:

• Minimal gum recession
• Reduced gum bleeding and inflammation
• Rapid healing
• Safe for patients with health issues (diabetes, HIV, etc.)
• Less discomfort
  

Gum Disease Prevention

To reduce your risk of gum disease, follow your dentist's oral health care tips. These include:

• Brushing twice a day
• Flossing daily
• Using antiseptic mouthwash
• Consuming foods with vitamin C
• Replacing your toothbrush every three months
• Visiting your dentist every six months
• Reducing stress
• Not smoking or chewing tobacco

Visiting your dentist twice a year will allow them to spot early signs of gingivitis before it worsens. They can recommend natural gum treatments you can apply between appointments. If your gum disease reaches advanced stages, schedule a LANAP procedure right away. 

Make sure to follow your dentist's post-procedure dental care tips. This includes following a soft or liquid diet, prioritizing your oral health, and resting.

The typical recovery timeline is relatively short. You can resume normal activities within 24 hours. Choosing LANAP for treating periodontitis can save your gums and teeth before there are complications. 

Avoid Unhealthy Gums Today

Don't let unhealthy gums affect your oral or overall health. Instead, use these tips for gum disease prevention or seek immediate treatment. Relying on professional dental care tips is the first step to protecting your smile. 

Trust our team at Smile Savers Dentistry. We offer top-notch dental treatments while prioritizing each patient's individual needs. We'll develop a custom treatment plan to help you reach your oral hygiene goals.

We can help you preserve your smile and health. Contact us now to save on your first visit!