Insider Update

Employers are prioritizing mental health more than ever, but many may not realize that stress also affects oral health. Research examining over 2,400 adults found that individuals with higher perceived stress reported poorer oral health and more frequent oral pain. The association was even stronger among people without dental coverage, suggesting that access to preventive care plays a critical protective role.

Stress influences mouth health in multiple ways, including gum inflammation, oral pain, cavity risk and bruxism (teeth grinding), which is one of the most common and impactful consequences.
 

The relationship between stress and bruxism

Psychological stress is strongly linked to bruxism (teeth grinding and jaw clenching). In one study, approximately 64% of participants had bruxism and those with bruxism showed higher anxiety levels.

Breaking down the impact

• Stress triggers increased muscle tension that leads to repetitive jaw activity.
• Jaw clenching can contribute to teeth grinding, enamel wear, fractures and jaw joint discomfort.
   

Without early intervention and preventive care, these conditions can lead to costly restorative treatment and emergency visits. 
 

Elevate your benefit offerings

Brokers can help employer groups understand that stress management isn’t limited to mental health benefits. Oral health prevention is part of the solution.

Preventive dental coverage enables:

• Early detection of gum disease
• Monitoring of stress-related enamel wear
• Timely intervention before emergencies occur
• Access to occlusal guards with select plans
   

Position yourself as a proactive partner

By raising awareness of the oral health impacts of stress, and clearly connecting them to coverage solutions, you help clients:

• Reduce avoidable claims escalation.
• Support employee well-being.
• Address health disparities linked to stress and access.
• Strengthen preventive care utilization.
   

To support employer education efforts, Delta Dental provides a member-friendly Stress & Oral Health flyer. You can encourage clients to share it as part of their workplace wellness communications.

Helping clients understand the connection between stress and oral health, and how coverage can mitigate risk, positions you as a forward-thinking advisor focused on prevention, cost management and workforce health.