With finals approaching for many of us, anxiety due to the possible dooming second Covid shutdown, or just overall stress, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Stress and anxiety can cause dry mouth which is commonly associated with symptoms such as constant sore throat, difficulty swallowing, dry nasal passages, and parched tongue or lips ("The Link Between Anxiety And Dry Mouth", 2020). A study found an increase in salivary protein concentration and pH however, fluoride concentration of saliva was unaffected after induced acute stress (Naumova et al., 2014). Although fluoride concentration is unaffected, saliva flow is reduced. Reduced saliva, especially if it happens regularly, effects teeth remineralization therefore, increasing susceptibility to cavities and plaque (Ship, 2002). Additionally, saliva acts like an intrinsic mouthwash to fight off bacteria and prevents infections. If it is not the stress or anxiety itself causing dry mouth, it can be due to certain medication. Medications such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, muscle relaxants… marijuana, also have side effects of dry mouth ("The Link Between Anxiety And Dry Mouth", 2020).
To better manage dry mouth, drink plenty of fluids and if in the case it is unmanageable, speak to a healthcare professional about trying certain saliva substitutes. Also remember to maintain oral hygiene; brush twice a day, floss, and use products contain fluoride. As for managing stress, try to take our upcoming Thanksgiving break easy! Good luck everyone and enjoy the break <3
References:
Naumova, E., Sandulescu, T., Bochnig, C., Khatib, P., Lee, W., Zimmer, S., & Arnold, W. (2014). Dynamic changes in saliva after acute mental stress. Scientific Reports, 4(1). doi: 10.1038/srep04884
The Link Between Anxiety And Dry Mouth. (2020). Retrieved 20 November 2020, from https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dry-mouth/anxiety-and-dry-mouth-link
Ship, J. (2002). Diagnosing, managing, and preventing salivary gland disorders. Oral Diseases, 8(2), 77-89. doi: 10.1034/j.1601-0825.2002.2o837.x
It's really interesting to examine the additional collateral affects of stress in the sense of something less thought of like oral hygiene and cavities. We talked a lot in physiology how stress response releases cortisol and epinephrine activating the sympathetic nervous system. Prolonged bouts of stress are more talked about in regards to cardiovascular health and other aspects related to the development of chronic diseases.
ReplyDeleteI found another paper which looked out how stress hormones affect the biota of the mouth. They found that epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and hydrocortisone all stimulated the growth of anaerobic species of periodontitis-related bacteria. The stimulated growth of these bacteria in the presence of chronic stress hormones lead to an even greater increase in plaque, as well as other issues such as gingivitis (Jentsch et al., 2013). Between physiological phenomena, and bacterial growth, seems like spending extra time on brushing your teeth during finals is necessary.
Jentsch, H.F.R., Marz, D., & Kruger, M. (2013) The effects of stress hormones on growth of selected periodontitis related bacteria. Anaerobe, 24, 49-54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anaerobe.2013.09.001