The mouth usually isn’t an obvious place to look for the impact of an anxiety disorder. Yet, the inside of the mouth is where anxiety does manifest, from chipped and fractured teeth to frequent canker sores. These conditions are examples of the correlation between anxiety and the health of the mouth, a link that isn’t as widely known as it should be.
National health surveys estimate that more than 31 percent of teens and adults experience an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives (1), including generalized anxiety disorder (persistent or excessive worry), phobias, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia (fear of being in situations where help or escape is perceived as difficult), and selective mutism (inability to speak in some social situations.(2)
Here are ways in which their anxiety disorder can impact their mouth:
Canker Sores
These are white, yellow or gray ulcers that appear temporarily on the inside of the lips, below the gums, on the roof and walls of the mouth. They can be uncomfortable and can last from a week to several weeks. Stress and anxiety can trigger the appearance of canker sores, but researchers have yet to determine how or why that happens.(4)
Lichen Planus
This a chronic inflammatory condition that features white lacy lines and red areas on the gums, tongue and inside the cheek. Experts theorize t hat it appears due to a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition and anxiety. (5)
Burning Mouth Syndrome
This is an ongoing or recurring burning and scalding sensation on the gums, tongue, inside the cheeks, or roof of the mouth. It is linked to anxiety and can develop over time or occur suddenly, but not enough is known about it. (6,7)
Bruxism
Grinding or clenching one’s teeth. This doesn't cause serious complications for most people, but in severe cases, it can damage teeth, fillings and crowns. Its cause is unknown and a combination of physical, mental health and genetic factors may play a role.(3)
Sometimes, people with anxiety might not feel like brushing their teeth and flossing regularly, and that can increase the risk of gum disease and caries.
It’s a good idea for those with an anxiety disorder to enlist the help of their dentist as early as possible by letting their dentist know about their mental health condition, including any medications they are taking to treat the condition’s symptoms. This enables the oral healthcare team to address the impact during dental visits and even work in tandem with mental healthcare providers on a holistic approach to the wellness of the mouth and mind.
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Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Statistics on anxiety disorder. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov
- Veronese, N., Demurtas, J., Celotto, S., Caccaro, M., Schofield, P., Anghinoni, T., ... & Stubbs, B. (2016). The oral health of people with anxiety and depressive disorders – A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 210, 56–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2016.05.121
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Teeth grinding (bruxism). https://www.mayoclinic.org
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Canker sores. https://my.clevelandclinic.org
- Khozema, D. S., & Vaidya, N. (2022). A case series of psychological stress evaluation as a risk factor for oral lichen planus. Case Reports in Dentistry, 2022, Article ID 9459616. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9459616
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Burning mouth syndrome. https://www.mayoclinic.org
- Lin, M., Wang, X., Zhang, L., & Chen, Y. (2025). Analysis of pain prognosis, medication efficacy, treatment willingness and influencing factors in patients with burning mouth syndrome: A cross-sectional survey. BMC Oral Health, 25, Article 72. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-025-03245-6
Smile Generation blog articles are reviewed by a licensed dental professional before publishing. However, we present this information for educational purposes only with the intent to promote readers’ understanding of oral health and oral healthcare treatment options and technology. We do not intend for our blog content to substitute for professional dental care and clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment planning provided by a licensed dental professional. Smile Generation always recommends seeking the advice of a dentist, physician, or other licensed healthcare professional for a dental or medical condition or treatment.
