Oral health and stress: what's the link?
Wellness

Oral health and stress: what's the link?

Published on March 12, 2025

Stress has become a daily companion for many of us, impacting not only our mental well-being, but also our oral health.

Let's discover together how stress can affect your smile and how to remedy it with the right lifestyle and care.

Stress: A discreet enemy of your smile

When we are stressed, our bodies release hormones that can disrupt our body's natural balance. In the mouth, this imbalance can manifest as:

  • Grinding of teeth (bruxism) : An unconscious reflex that wears down enamel and can cause pain.
  • A decrease in saliva production : Essential for neutralizing acids and protecting against cavities, its deficiency increases the risk of dental problems.
  • A forgetfulness of the oral-dental routine : Stress can cause us to slip our skincare routines, allowing plaque and bacteria to build up.

It is therefore essential for our health to learn to better manage stress, for our mental well-being but also for our overall health!

Focus: The link between stress and the oral microbiota

Beyond these visible effects, stress also affects the oral microbiota, that is, all the microorganisms present in our mouth. Recent studies have shown that physical and psychological stress can modify the diversity and composition of this microbiota:

  • Alteration of richness and diversity : In an environment of intense stress, bacterial diversity in the mouth may decrease, leading to an imbalance conducive to infections (Stoy et al., 2023).
  • Changes in saliva : Another study showed that in healthy women, prolonged stress can generate significant changes in the composition of their saliva, suggesting a direct impact on the oral microbiota (Cauwenberghs et al., 2023).

A healthy oral microbiota is essential for fighting off pathogenic bacteria and maintaining fresh breath. When stress disrupts it, our mouths become more vulnerable to cavities, gingivitis, and other problems.

Hence the importance of taking care of oneself and one's mental balance to support a balanced oral microbiota !

Solutions to better manage stress

Incorporating stress management techniques into your daily routine can have beneficial effects on your overall health, including your oral health. Here are some practical tips:

  • Maintain a regular skincare routine
    Even in times of stress, try to maintain your hygiene routine to preserve your smile! We recommend the gum regenerating toothpaste from The Smilist, specially formulated to calm the effects of stress on your gums!
  • Use appropriate care
    In addition to your routine, consider using a tongue scraper to remove residue and promote balanced oral flora. We particularly recommend The Smilist model for its softness and effectiveness!
  • Practice relaxation techniques
    Meditation, yoga, or simply a walk outdoors can reduce stress and improve your quality of life, positively impacting your smile!

Take a holistic approach for a serene smile

Stress, while common, doesn't have to compromise your oral health. By adopting a holistic approach that combines daily care, quality products, and relaxation techniques, you're investing in your smile and your overall well-being!

Christiane, Dentist and Co-founder of The Smilist