December is one of the most stressful times of year for many people. Either you’re anxious over your preparations for vacation and the winter holidays, or the gloomy feel of the season encourages depression. Unfortunately, the additional stress you are feeling takes its toll on your oral health. Too much stress can cause your gums to recede and impair your mouth’s ability to fight infections. Some people start grinding their teeth, which wears down their enamel, while others even develop painful oral sores. Therefore, it’s important to find ways to manage your stress.
Careful planning is a good way to start. Some of us are guilty of biting off more than we can chew, which never ends well. Try being mindful of your limitations, and don’t commit to too much. There are likely people in your life that you can count on for help; identify these people early on, and share tasks where appropriate.
Whatever happens, don’t let yourself slack off on your normal brushing and flossing. In addition to its normal benefits, there is comfort to be derived from maintaining your usual, daily habits. This will help you control your stress, and get the best out of your oral care.
