Health Resource Spotlight: Stress and Provider Health

The Problem:

Working in child care can be stressful and take a toll on many facets of a providers’ health, including oral health. 

One Solution:

Stress and Health, the most recent tip sheet in the “Brush Up on Oral Health” series. 

This resource explains the ways in which long-term stress can cause problems with your mouth, teeth and gums. These problems include: 

• Sores in and around the mouth, which can be painful. 
• Teeth clenching and grinding, which can wear down or chip teeth, cause jaw pain and strain facial muscles. 
• Tooth decay and gum disease, caused by unhealthy ways of handling stress such as snacking on foods or drinks that are high in sugar, or using alcohol, tobacco or drugs. 

Fortunately, this resource does more than point out the problem. It gives tips on what ECE providers can do to manage stress in a healthy way, from eating nutritious foods to seeking treatment for unhealthy behaviors, to practicing relaxation techniques. 

The “Brush Up on Oral Health” series is produced by the National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness, and can be found on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center.