Stress has a major impact on health in general, contributing to heart disease, obesity and mental health problems such as depression, among others. In addition, stress can have a negative effect on oral health, leading to bad breath, gum disease and mouth ulcers. With prolonged stress, the body produces different amounts of salivary proteins. As a result, the mouth’s defenses deteriorate. Plaque becomes more prevalent and tooth decay is more likely to occur. At the same time, people with a lot of stress often adopt a poor lifestyle. Then taking good care of their teeth falls by the wayside. Proper brushing and cleaning between teeth, molars and gums is actually essential for preventing gum disease. So don’t just tackle the stress, take extra good care of your mouth.