HOLIDAY STRESS AND SWEETS CAN THREATEN
A HEALTHY SMILE
PARSIPPANY, NJ (December 15, 2005) – The
holiday season should be a time for relaxation
and celebration among family and friends, but
now more than ever is a time to pay close attention
to oral health. Unfortunately, financial stresses
and frequent exposure to sweets and desserts
during this time of year can increase the risk
of gum disease and other oral health complications.
The coming of the new year traditionally is a
perfect time for self-improvement; this year,
make improving your oral health a priority.
Research has found a connection between oral
health and stress, particularly financial stress,
which peaks for many people during the holidays.
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 (gum disease).
"For some people, stress can mean a reduction
in proper oral hygiene practices or teeth grinding,
also called bruxism," explained Dr. Scott
Navarro, dental director, Delta Dental of New
Jersey. "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."
Along with the financial stress, the holidays
bring increased exposure to sugary cakes, cookies
and pastries that can be harmful to your teeth.
Although tempting, chewy and gooey desserts spend
more time in contact with your teeth and can
cause plaque build-up; this can eventually lead
to gum disease. Staying away from sticky treats
and remembering to brush with fluoride toothpaste
shortly after eating will help to reduce the
effects of sugar.
"Let the beginning of this new year mark
an improvement to your oral health. It is important
to understand your risk factors, keep up with
daily brushing and flossing, and visit your dentist
twice a year,"
said Dr. Navarro. "If you are among the
many New Jersey residents without dental benefits,
consider a dental access plan such as Delta Dental's
Patient Direct to help you stick with your oral
health regimen.
About Delta Dental of
New Jersey, Inc.
Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc., is New Jersey’s
and Connecticut's leading dental benefits carrier,
providing coverage to more than one million people
through contracts with employers in New Jersey
and Connecticut. The Delta Dental system offers
seamless dental benefits administration for employer
groups throughout the country and the largest
network of credentialed dentists in the nation.
For more information visit us on the Web at www.deltadentalnj.com.
