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Feeling too busy and stressed to
take time for your dental checkup? Postponing your
appointment could make your problems worse.
Several studies have found a
connection between oral health and stress, particularly
financial stress. In one of the most extensive studies
of its kind conducted at the University of New York at
Buffalo and published in the Journal of
Periodontology, high levels of financial stress
paired with poor coping abilities were shown to double
the likelihood of developing periodontal disease.
"We already know that stress
can have an effect on a number of health conditions,
including heart problems and digestive disorders,"
said Dr. Scott Navarro, Dental Director, Delta Dental.
"Now that we're beginning to understand the effects
of stress on oral health, it gives us all one more
reason to improve our coping skills and try to reduce
the amount of stress in our lives."
Researchers have found that
individuals with excessive amounts of stress and who
lack adequate coping skills can experience a number of
changes that can lead to oral health problems. For some
people, it can mean a reduction in proper oral hygiene
practices or teeth grinding. Others can experience a
reduction in saliva flow and content, which reduces the
mouth's ability to wash food away and fight the effects
of cavity-causing plaque on surfaces of the teeth.
Stress can also lead to changes in the body's ability to
combat infection, allowing gum disease to progress more
rapidly.
"The good news is that gum
disease can be controlled if it's detected early,"
said Dr. Navarro. "That's why it's important to
understand your risk factors, remain vigilant about your
oral health care regimen and visit your dentist
regularly."
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