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According to 2019 Gallup polls, 55 percent of Americans report feeling stressed out during the day, which is significantly higher than the worldwide average of 35 percent. Stress can affect every aspect of your life, from your appetite and the quality of your sleep to your performance at work and the strength of your relationships. Stress also takes a toll on your physical health, including your dental health. Read on to learn about ways to reduce your stress level and stay healthy.
How Does Stress Affect Your Oral Health?
Research has indicated a link between stress and several oral health conditions, such as canker sores, burning mouth syndrome, infections, and gum disease. Stress affects your immune system and reduces your body’s ability to protect itself against diseases and infections. Additionally, stress can also contribute to certain habits that are harmful to your oral health, including grinding your teeth, biting your nails, smoking, drinking alcohol, eating a lot of sweets, and neglecting your oral hygiene.
How To Reduce Stress
There are many easy, natural, and inexpensive ways to reduce your stress level. Physical exercise is one of the best ways you can decrease stress, because your body releases endorphins and lowers stress hormones when you exercise. You do not have to be a gym rat to reap the stress-relieving benefits of physical exercise; any physical activity, such as walking your dog, taking a dance class, or playing a casual game of tennis with a friend, will be beneficial in making you feel less stressed out.
If you are looking for ways to reduce your stress while staying home, there are countless healthy options. Try lighting aromatherapy candles, taking a bath, writing your thoughts down in a journal, meditating, or even just focusing on taking deep breaths for a few minutes every day. When you find the best method for you, incorporate it into your daily routine to keep your stress level in check. Call our office to learn more about the link between stress and your oral health.