Restrictions surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemic are beginning to lift in many places in the United States. But many individuals have lingering stress from the last few years. Stress can have detrimental effects on your overall wellbeing, including your oral health.
If your teeth and gums are not healthy, they may not look their best either. Certain stress behaviors may disturb the appearance of your smile if they persist. Perfect Smiles of Doylestown, a dental practice serving patients in Doylestown, PA, explains three habits that stem from stress that could cause cosmetic damage to your smile.
3 Stress-Related Behaviors That Can Hurt Your Smile
Drinking Beverages That Stain Your Teeth
Stress can disrupt your sleep schedule. If you wake up feeling groggy, you will likely turn to a cup of tea or coffee for a jolt of caffeine that can get you through your busy day.
But coffee and tea get their dark color from tannins, substances that can absorb into the enamel of your teeth and leave deep stains behind. Be careful with how many of these beverages that have staining agents you consume.
While you may add milk to your drink or sip through a straw to reduce the risk of tooth discoloration, you cannot eliminate the likelihood completely. If you notice stains, yellowing, or dullness in your smile, ask your dentist about teeth whitening treatment that can restore your tooth color.
Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth
Heightened stress levels can initiate or exacerbate a teeth grinding or clenching habit. The grating of the top arch of teeth against the bottom arch generates pressure that could cause tooth breakage.
Minor cracks and chips in your teeth can be amended with cosmetic dental solutions. More severe damage may require treatment with a dental crown or other restorative tools.
Your dentist may recommend that you wear a custom-made mouthguard if you grind your teeth as you sleep. This oral appliance can cushion teeth against pressure and prevent structural dental damage.
Skipping Routine Dental Cleanings
If you feel stressed, you may feel too overwhelmed to maintain routine appointments like a teeth cleaning visit. But these regular appointments are crucial to keeping your smile both clean and healthy.
During these appointments, your dentist removes plaque from hard-to-reach spots of your mouth. This will protect your smile from cavities and other major dental damage.
They can also examine your teeth and gums for signs of dental problems and provide treatment before they can cause irreversible harm. When you take these precautionary measures, you can ensure your smile looks and feels its best.
Find Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions in Doylestown, PA
Perfect Smiles of Doylestown offers professional teeth whitening services and other cosmetic dentistry treatments to patients in Doylestown, PA. Our practice also provides general and restorative dentistry, such as tooth replacement solutions, for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with our team of dental experts, contact our office by phone at 215.529.8048 or reach a member of our staff online.