We all know that stress can have a detrimental impact on our guts, but did you know that your tongue and teeth can also be affected by uncontrolled cortisol?
Here, we talk to dental experts about the signs to watch out for that stress is getting the better of your oral hygiene.
When we think about stress, we tend to think of how it makes the brain feel like it’s curdling or the tension building up in our neck.
Maybe you immediately link it to a queasy belly or sleepless nights. But for some, the tell-tale sign that stress is out of control can be found in the mouth. I always get mouth ulcers when I’ve not slept enough, and I wake up with a sore jaw from clenching all night if I’ve been working or driving – I tend to bite my cheeks without even realising.
According to the experts, our mouths can be a useful window into how our overall, physical, and mental health is faring. Dr Sam Jethwa, former president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a dentist at Bespoke Smile Clinic, says: “The mouth is one of the first places stress can manifest physically because it is so closely connected to the nervous system. When we’re under prolonged stress, the body produces higher levels of hormones such as cortisol, which can affect everything from muscle tension and inflammation to saliva production.”
How to protect your oral hygiene against stress
It’s important to get medical advice if you have any persistent pain or discomfort in your mouth. While it could be stress, there are also other medical causes of the problems we’ve outlined above. Not seeking treatment could lead to much more complex issues further down the line. Dr Jethwa says he encourages his patients to “prioritise sleep, stay hydrated, be mindful of daytime clenching habits and explore stress-management techniques that work for them. Small changes can often make a significant difference both to their oral health and overall wellbeing.” Remember that NHS dental care is free when you’re pregnant and for the first year after your baby is born.
Teeth grinding and clenching
Dr Jethwa says he has seen a “significant increase” in female patients seeking treatment for teeth grinding and jaw clenching, also known as bruxism. “Often they don’t realise they’re doing it until they start experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or sensitivity, or a partner notices the grinding sounds at night. ” You might also notice that you’re clenching your jaw during the day, perhaps when you’re working or doing other daily activities.
Sleep bruxism affects 15% of adult women and 8% of men. And while it can happen at any time of life, this 2024 study concluded that falling oestrogen levels during perimenopause (a time in our lives when ‘the juggle’ is often most intense) is also a major risk factor. Common symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and a loss of bone density in the jaw (which can alter your bite) can lead to nighttime clenching. In the long term, that can lead to cracked teeth.
“Your teeth should only touch when you’re eating or swallowing, yet many people unknowingly keep them clenched for hours while working or concentrating,” says Dr Jethwa, who advises his at-risk patients to wear an anti-grind retainer at night.
Source: Stylist, “I’m a dentist, and these are the tell-tale signs I look out for that stress is affecting your teeth”