Teeth and stress: How does emotional state affect oral health?

The connection between the mind and the mouth

When we think about stress, we often associate it with fatigue, insomnia, indigestion or anxiety. However, stress not only affects the psyche and general physical health but can also directly impact our teeth and gums. Although oral health is often put aside when discussing the consequences of stress, scientific evidence increasingly points to a deep connection between emotional state and the state of the oral cavity.

Chronic stress, especially when it lasts for a long time, can disrupt the body’s natural balance. The body goes into a state of heightened alertness, which can result in a series of negative reactions: from unconscious teeth grinding to reduced saliva production, to neglect of oral hygiene. If stress is not recognised and controlled in time, its effects can seriously threaten the health of teeth and gums.

Below, we discover how stress affects the oral cavity, how to recognise the signs that something is wrong, and what strategies can help you preserve the health of your teeth and smile even during the most challenging stages of life.

Fiziološke promjene u tijelu pod stresom

Stress causes a series of physiological changes that directly and indirectly affect oral health. When we are in a stressful situation, the body secretes hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones are intended to prepare the body for “fight or flight,” but when stress is prolonged, their constant presence begins to harm the immune system and disrupt normal bodily functions, including functions in the oral cavity.

Kako stres mijenja hemiju usne šupljine?

• Reduced saliva production – Saliva plays an important protective role by helping to neutralise acids, wash away bacteria, and maintain balance in the mouth. Stress reduces saliva production, which increases the risk of cavities and infections.
• Change in ph – Stress can cause the mouth to become more acidic, creating an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to thrive.
• Increased susceptibility to inflammation – Cortisol can suppress the immune response, resulting in a weaker ability for the body to fight gum infections.

Bruxism – teeth grinding as an unconscious reaction to stress

One of the most obvious consequences of stress in the oral cavity is bruxism – unconscious clenching and grinding of the teeth, most often during the night. This habit can go unnoticed until symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, or tooth damage appear.

Why does bruxism occur?

Stress often causes increased tension in the muscles of the face and jaw, which during sleep or in a state of deep concentration can result in bruxism. The body tries to “release” emotional tension through unconscious physical movements, and clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth represents exactly this type of unconscious release of stress.

Consequences of untreated bruxism:

• Tooth enamel wear
• Microcracks and tooth sensitivity
• Pain in the jaw and the temporomandibular joint
• Headaches, especially in the morning
• Increased risk of tooth fractures

How to recognise bruxism?

• Grinding sounds during the night (which your partner may notice)
• A feeling of tension in the jaw after waking up
• Tooth sensitivity without caries
• Visible damage to the tooth surface

The connection between stress and gum recession

Chronic stress can contribute to the development of periodontitis, a disease that causes receding gums and loss of supporting tissue around the teeth. When the body is constantly stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight inflammation weakens. This allows bacteria from plaque to more easily penetrate deeper into the gums, causing them to recede.

How does stress worsen the condition of the gums?

• Increased susceptibility to inflammation – Stress reduces the body’s ability to control bacteria, which accelerates the development of gingivitis.
• Irregular oral hygiene – People under stress often neglect daily habits, including regular brushing.
• Bad eating habits – Eating sweet and processed foods further worsens the condition of the gums.

Stress and increased risk of caries

Caries is the most common chronic dental disease, and stress is one of the factors that can significantly increase the risk of its development. Although stress in itself does not cause caries, it can affect behaviours and biological changes that create ideal conditions for its formation.

How does stress contribute to tooth decay?

• Reduced saliva production: A dry mouth cannot effectively wash away bacteria and food debris, leading to increased acidity in the mouth.
• Increased intake of sweets and snacks: Many people under stress reach for sweet or high-calorie foods, often without brushing their teeth after consumption.
• Skipping evening tooth brushing: Fatigue and exhaustion under stress can lead to neglect of oral hygiene, especially in the evening when it is most important.
• Increased intake of caffeine or carbonated drinks: These drinks further acidify the oral cavity and damage the enamel.

How stress affects the immune system in the oral cavity

Stress can suppress the function of the immune system, thereby weakening the body’s natural defences, including the protection of the oral cavity. When the body is under stress, cortisol levels rise, which directly reduces the effectiveness of leukocytes, white blood cells that fight infections.

Consequences of weakened immune protection:

• Greater tendency to develop gingivitis and periodontitis
• Slower recovery after oral procedures or injuries
• Increased risk of fungal infections such as candidiasis

Immune balance is key to maintaining gum health, and chronic stress can cause a serious imbalance.

Changes in habits – diet, oral hygiene and neglecting examinations

Kada smo pod stresom, prioriteti se često mijenjaju. Redoviti obroci, pravilna higijena, pa čak i zakazani pregledi kod stomatologa, postaju sekundarni. Ova promjena ponašanja ima direktan utjecaj na zdravlje zubi i desni.

Common habits that get worse during stress:

• Neglecting to brush your teeth in the morning or evening
• Using teeth to bite nails, lids, or pencils
• Postponing dental visits due to anxiety or lack of energy
• Consumption of large amounts of fast food, sweetened beverages and alcohol

Psychosomatic pain in the jaw and teeth

Stres ne utiče samo na ponašanje, već može izazvati i tzv. psihosomatske bolove – fizičke bolove koji nemaju jasan medicinski uzrok, već proizlaze iz psihološkog stanja osobe.

How to recognise pain caused by stress?

• Jaw pain without cavities or infection
• A feeling of pressure in the sinuses or jaw
• A recurring feeling of discomfort in the teeth, even though they are healthy
• Association of pain with stressful situations (e.g. important meeting, family problems)

In such cases, it is important not to ignore the symptoms, but to observe them in the wider context of the emotional state.

How to recognise that stress damages the teeth?

Some symptoms may seem harmless, but if they occur in combination and last for a long time, they may be a sign that stress is affecting your oral health.

Warning signs:

• Tooth sensitivity with no apparent cause
• Frequent grinding or clenching of teeth
• Dry mouth and bad breath
• Gum recession
• Bleeding when brushing teeth
• Increased feeling of pain in the jaw or jaw

If you notice more of these signs, it’s a good idea to visit a dentist and talk openly about your stress, as early intervention can prevent more serious problems.

Tips for protecting teeth in stressful periods

Although stress is not always avoidable, it is possible to learn how to protect your oral health even during the most stressful phases of life. The key is consistency, awareness and small steps that can make a big difference.

1. Maintain regular oral hygiene

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Don’t skip flossing – it removes food debris that the brush can’t reach.
• If you have trouble staying motivated, use habit-tracking apps or leave a reminder in the bathroom.

2. Reduce the intake of sugar and acidic drinks

• It’s easy to reach for sweets when you’re stressed, but try replacing them with healthier alternatives like fruit, nuts, or plain water.
• If you drink carbonated beverages, use a straw to minimise contact with the enamel.

3. Use products for dry mouth

If you notice reduced saliva production, use special rinses or gels that help with dry mouth. Drinking water throughout the day is a simple but important step.

4. Wear a protective splint

If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, your dentist can make you a night splint. It protects your teeth from wear and reduces tension in your jaw.

5. Manage stress

• Include relaxation techniques in your daily life – breathing, meditation, walking, and exercise.
• Talk to a therapist if you feel that you cannot manage your emotional state on your own.

The role of dentists in prevention and therapy

A dentist doesn’t just look at the teeth – a good dentist sees the person, recognises symptoms of stress and knows how to relate them to oral changes. The role of a dental professional in this context is educational, diagnostic and therapeutic.

What can a dentist do?

• Recognise signs of stress in the mouth: bruxism, receding gums, sensitivity.
• Recommend customised products: pastes for sensitive teeth, therapeutic waters.
• Make protective splints for night use.
• Refer the patient further (eg to a therapist) if he believes that the problem is not only dental.
• Education about habits – how to brush your teeth properly, what products to use, and how to balance dental care with daily duties.

Regular checkups can prevent major problems and help you keep your smile regardless of life’s challenges.

How the Esthea Polyclinic helps patients under stress

At Esthea Polyclinic, we understand how emotional state can affect physical health, including teeth. Our approach is based on a holistic understanding of the patient, empathy and high professional expertise.

Why choose Esthea Polyclinic?

• Individual approach – each person receives a care plan that takes into account their psychophysical condition.
• Preventive care – regular check-ups, advice and early diagnosis.
• Protective splints and tips for managing bruxism.
• Treatments for sensitive teeth include remineralisation and therapeutic fluoride treatments.
• A safe and comfortable environment that helps reduce fear and tension.

If you suspect that stress is leaving a mark on your oral cavity, don’t wait until the symptoms get worse. Prevention is always the best step.

Book your appointment at the Esthea Polyclinic today and find out how you can keep your teeth healthy even when you’re under pressure from everyday stress.