Mental Health Awareness Week: how stress affects oral health

There are a range of common signs and symptoms to look out for, from teeth grinding to dry mouth, which may indicate that stress is having a negative effect on your oral health.

With the arrival of Mental Health Awareness Week (May 9-16, 2022) Amanda Sheehan, dental hygienist and clinical support specialist at TePe, shares her expert insight in the effect stress can have on your teeth and gums, and how to manage the symptoms at home.

Gum disease
Stress can impair the immune system and be a contributing factor to inflamed gums – known as gingivitis. If left untreated, this can progress to advanced gum disease, which can eventually loosen the foundations holding your teeth in place, and can result in tooth loss.