Can Stress Cause Dental Abscesses?

One of the biggest issues facing people in the 21st century is long-term stress, something that can cause all sorts of problems, physically, mentally and emotionally, if it’s left untreated.

Charity Mental Health UK’s second annual Burnout Report, published back in January, looked into the nation’s stress levels and found that burnout risks are still prevalent, with 34 per cent of adults saying that they experienced high or extreme levels of stress or pressure always or often in 2024. 

Furthermore, 91 per cent said that they experienced high stress or pressure at some point.

If left to its own devices, stress can cause all sorts of issues, everything from headaches and insomnia to poor concentration, memory problems, anxiety, anger, frustration, chest pain, lack of motivation, muscle tension, fatigue, stomach problems, social isolation, sadness and depression… and many more!

You may already be aware that stress can cause some, if not all, of these complaints, but what you might not be aware of is how these feelings can cause potential problems where your oral health is concerned, as well.

Is there a link between stress and oral health?

There are various dental issues that can be caused by stress. Tooth grinding, for example, is certainly not uncommon among people who are under pressure – and the problem here is that it often happens at night when we’re asleep, so it’s harder to get under control.

Tooth grinding can lead to jaw and tooth pain, as well as a loss of enamel, cracks and chips… and even painful dental abscesses.

When we’re stressed out, our bodies find it harder to fight infection as our immune systems are weaker. If bacteria in the mouth gets inside the teeth, gums or bone, this can lead to dental abscesses, which can be incredibly painful and will require a dentist to clear the build-up of pus that accumulates.

Signs of an abscess include severe headaches, pain when biting or chewing, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, bad breath, and redness and swelling in the face, mouth and gums.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, isn’t something you have to live with, however. If you start experiencing jaw pain or notice that your teeth are looking more translucent or shorter than they were, it may be advisable to seek further medical attention so you can put preventative measures in place.

You could, for example, have a mouthguard custom made to protect your teeth while you sleep. Going to see a dentist regularly, every six months or thereabouts, will also help to prevent any issues from becoming seriously problematic.

Cavity problems

Stress concerns can also make you more likely to indulge in sugary comfort foods. This, according to Scientific American, is because when we’re under acute stress, our brain requires 12 per cent more energy, with glucose its most important fuel… which is why we find ourselves tempted to reach for the sugary snacks when under pressure.

If we’re not careful, eating too much sugary food and not following a stringent oral hygiene regime including flossing and brushing twice a day will increase our risk of cavities. This, in turn, can increase the risk of dental abscess onset, with bacteria entering the innermost part of the tooth, causing infection and inflammation.

As such, if you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, it could certainly be worth investigating ways in which to address your emotions, finding coping strategies that can protect your mental and physical health at the same time.

How to manage stress

The first step towards managing your stress is to work out what the underlying cause is. Once you know what’s triggering your feelings, you can anticipate problems and put measures in place to mitigate the effects. It’s likely that you won’t be able to avoid stressful situations and scenarios altogether, so it’s important to be as prepared as possible.

Self-care is one of the best ways to help you cope, making you feel more resilient and stronger emotionally, no matter what comes your way. Remember that what works for one person may not be the right approach for you, but here are a few ideas to help you keep stress at bay.

Get out into nature

Spending time outside and connecting with nature can really help you tackle stress effectively. 

Even going to your local park can make a big difference to your mental health, as can looking after house plants, doing some gardening, taking the dog for a walk… it doesn’t necessarily have to mean spending a whole day outside or heading out into the wilderness. Sometimes even just the simplest of acts can have a big impact on how you feel.

Practise mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of anchoring yourself in the present moment by focusing your attention on your breath. 

Doing regular breathing exercises can help you calm your mind and make you feel more relaxed, but you can also practice mindfulness by doing activities like colouring-in or playing a musical instrument. Anything that requires intense focus will have a similar effect.

Get regular exercise

Looking after your physical health by getting plenty of regular exercise can really give your mental health a boost, releasing feel-good chemicals in the brain that give you an immediate lift.

The best way to exercise is to find something that you actually enjoy doing, as you’ll be more likely to stick with it and develop a lasting routine.

Get lots of sleep

One of the best ways to protect your mental health (and your teeth!) is to get lots of good-quality sleep consistently. In practice, this will mean not drinking coffee after midday, avoiding stimulants like alcohol and cigarettes, not eating too late at night and making sure that your bedroom is a restful place to be.

Still worried about your teeth?

If you’ve tried stress-busting measures but are still concerned that teeth grinding or sugar intake are affecting your oral health, make sure you chat your concerns through with a dentist and your GP, as they’ll be able to help you manage your health more effectively.