The holiday season is here, a happy time full of laughter and cheer. Behind all the glistening lights, though, often lies a significant amount of stress. There are people to see, places to go, gifts to buy, and no extra time to fit it all in. The pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday can put a damper on the joy, but did you know it can also impact your oral health? Holiday stress can cause disruptions in healthy habits, increase subconscious coping mechanisms, and lead to consequences that affect you long after the presents are unwrapped and the tree is put back in storage. Full Smile Periodontics wants to make sure you’re prepared to handle the incoming stress while making your oral health a priority this holiday season.

How Can Holiday Stress Impact Gum Health? 

Stress can wreak havoc across the body, including inside your mouth. Your gum health can be impacted by stress in the following ways:

• Teeth Grinding: When you’re feeling stressed, your body releases signals to your body, activating the “fight or flight” response. This mechanism puts your body into action, sending out chemicals and hormones to be on high alert. Often, this shows up in the form of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. While it can happen anytime, it commonly occurs while you’re asleep and unaware, causing headaches, jaw pain, ear pain, and restless sleep. It also wears down the enamel, eventually creating tooth sensitivity, receding gums, and an increased risk of gum disease.
• Hygiene Habits: When people are stressed, sometimes they stop taking care of themselves, which includes oral hygiene habits. Skipping out on brushing and flossing won’t remedy your stress; In fact, it’s likely to add to it when problems arise. Avoiding oral hygiene will cause plaque to build up, paving the way toward gingivitis, periodontitis, and breakdown of the bones and tissue. Expect increased sensitivity, discomfort, and potential tooth loss. When advanced, gum disease can even increase the risk of more body-wide health problems like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Immune System: Ongoing stress harms the body, weakening your immune system. When it’s not fully functioning, your body has a harder time-fighting things off, giving bacteria the chance to grow and spread.

Manage Holiday Stress For Healthier Gums

Once you understand the connection between stress and gum health, it’s easy to see the importance of keeping it at bay as much as possible. Consider these ways to help manage your holiday stress:

• Prioritize Yourself: Make a conscious effort to put your self-care at the top of your to-do list. While it’s noble to want to make everyone’s holiday dreams come true, you can’t do that if you’re not feeling your best due to mouth pain. Take care of yourself and notice how much easier it is to complete the rest of your to-do list when you’re healthy.
• Set Yourself Up For Success: Create reminders in your phone to alert you when it’s time to brush and floss, and then follow up when they go off. Stock your vanity with your favorite fluoride toothpaste, an alcohol-free mouthwash, and convenient floss picks so you’re always prepared.
• Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water will keep you healthy and energized while encouraging saliva production which is better for your mouth.
• Make Good Choices: Treat yourself to a holiday cookie now and then, but try to make healthy choices when it comes to what you’re eating and drinking. They may taste good at the moment, but too much sugar can cause sluggishness, fatigue, and of course, increase bacteria in the mouth. Pre-cut a tray of fruits and veggies to keep in the fridge and munch on instead of grabbing a sweet treat.
• Take A Break: Carve some time out each day to take a break. Constantly being on the go can make you feel overwhelmed, as well as encourage you to fall back to bad habits as you try to fit everything in. Even a short amount of time to unwind with no obligations can replenish your mood and energy.
• Learn to Relax: For those easily stressed, it can be beneficial to have some relaxation and mindfulness techniques stowed in your mental toolbox. Try a breathing technique called 4-7-8 breathing to reduce tension in a high-stress moment. Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold it for 7 seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds. Repeat a few times and notice your heart rate slows and the stress starts to melt away. Test out different techniques until you find the ones that work best for you, then incorporate them into your life until they become a habit.
• Turn To The Experts: If you’re concerned about your oral health or already notice the impact stress is having on your gums, seek out an expert. The team at Full Smile Periodontics offers diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum disease in Amarillo T,X and the surrounding areas. Schedule an appointment for an exam to see how we can help you:

• • Custom-fitted mouth guards to alleviate teeth grinding
  • Non-surgical treatments such as scaling, root planing or antibiotics if necessary
  • Personalized advice based on your specific concerns
  • Treatment if things have progressed, such as laser therapy, dental implants, periodontal surgery, bone grafts, gum grafts and more.

The Gift of Healthy Gums Can Be Found at Full Smile Periodontics in Amarillo 

When someone asks what you got for Christmas, don’t be the one to have to say “gum disease.” Instead, give yourself the gift of a healthy smile. Stay on top of your oral health by managing your holiday stress, maintaining good oral hygiene, and checking in with us by scheduling an appointment at Full Smile Periodontics.