How do coping mechanisms influence oral health?

Oral health is important and so is mental health. Your mind and body are connected, which is exactly why maintaining proper mental health can be beneficial to your oral hygiene. Daily life stressors result in coping behaviors which can lead to serious dental damage over time. Let us look at how coping mechanisms play a major role in your oral health!

WHAT IS COPING MECHANISM?

Coping mechanism is your body’s response to stress and anxiety. These behavioural responses can promote health when the habits developed are positive and healthy. Unhealthy coping habits can cause abrupt health conditions. Explore how unhealthy coping behaviors impact dental problems.

1. Teeth grinding

Bruxism also known as teeth grinding can cause discomfort and misalignment in your teeth due to involuntary clenching and grinding under stressful and anxiety events. Prolonged and untreated bruxism create complications such as tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches and other oral problems.

2. Biting on objects

Biting on pen caps and nails is evidence of anxiety coping habits that our body naturally develops in response. Frequent biting on hard objects can cause tooth damage and gum irritation. Nail biting can increase the risk of oral infection as harmful bacteria enter your oral cavity. Nail biting habits in children can damage the gums and cause bleeding which results in further complications.

3. Smoking

Smoking is the unhealthiest coping mechanism anyone can develop under stressful conditions. It causes teeth discoloration, gum disease/ periodontal disease, and bad breath. Smoking while undergoing any oral treatment can delay the process and can worsen the effect of the present situation.

4. Excessive alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption is the direct result of improper coping behaviour developed by stress. Alcohol can erode the tooth enamel and heavy drinking can cause discoloration and bad breath.

5. Consumption of sugary drinks and acids

Stress can lead to poor dietary choices, or increased consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks. Prolonged consumption can cause your teeth to turn yellow (teeth coloration) which can also increase plaque deposit and cause cavities.

PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS FOR YOUR MENTAL AND ORAL HEALTH

1. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can aid in improving patients’ stress levels and can be an important component of addressing stress-related oral health disorders. Teeth grinding issues can be tracked and treated by including psychotherapy in their remedy routine.

2. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT can help identify and modify the negative thought patterns and behaviors that  can contribute to stress and anxiety. CBT can track the individual’s behavior and is an effective treatment to reduce smoking, alcohol consumption and stress.

3. Oral Health Education

Dentists and dental hygienists can educate patients on proper oral hygiene habits to avoid or manage stress-related mouth issues.

4. Dietary Guidance

Guidance on a balanced diet and avoiding sugary or acidic foods and drinks can prevent dental issues that are caused by stress. Reducing or avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen teeth grinding, may be recommended.

BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS

• Biofeedback technique can help individuals become more aware of their clenching or grinding habits and learn to control them.
• Habit Reversal Training is a behavioral therapy that can be used to address stress-related habits like nail-biting or cheek-chewing.

MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS

Dental Treatments

Custom Mouthguards: For individuals experiencing teeth grinding (bruxism) due to stress, custom-fit mouthguards can protect teeth from damage.

Restorative Dentistry

In cases where stress has led to oral health problems like cavities or gum disease, restorative treatments like dental fillings or teeth cleanings may be necessary.

Ways to maintain good oral and mental health

• Schedule routine checkups with your dentist. Addressing your symptoms with your dentist can help you identify the problems that need attention.
•  Practice mindfulness to relieve anxiety and stress to develop healthy coping habits.
•  Approach your dentist to address coping behavior-related tooth problems.
•  Making lifestyle adjustments such as increasing physical activity, improving sleep hygiene, and managing stress can improve general well-being and lessen tooth grinding.

 CONCLUSION

Every individual undergoes different levels of stressful situations which makes everyone’s healing journey differ. A comprehensive approach that combines stress management with oral health care is often the most effective way to address these problems. Consult with both a mental health professional and oral care health experts for a tailored treatment plan. By taking proactive steps to care for your mental health, you can contribute to oral hygiene. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices, and seeking professional help when needed are crucial steps in this journey.