The risks and regulations associated with the ongoing global pandemic have increased stress levels in many individuals. Stress can negatively impact your overall wellbeing, including your oral health.
Deteriorating oral health can mean your smile is no longer looking its best. Dr. Emily Ann Reece describes three stress-related behaviors that could harm your teeth and lead you to require cosmetic dentistry treatment.
Beverages That Stain Teeth
Stress can interrupt your sleep schedule. If you wake up feeling groggy, you may turn to tea or coffee for a caffeine boost to get you through the day.
Dark-colored drinks like coffee and tea can stain teeth enamel over time and leave stains on the surface of your teeth. If you notice staining, yellowing, or any other form of discoloration, ask your dentist how professional teeth whitening treatment can benefit you.
Increased Teeth Grinding
Heightened stress levels can initiate or exacerbate teeth grinding or clenching habits, often called bruxism. The grating of the top row of teeth against the bottom row creates an abnormal amount of pressure that can harm your teeth.
Teeth can crack, chip, or fracture with this pressure. Major damage will require restorative dental work to repair, but minor cases can be resolved with cosmetic dentistry like dental bonding. Your dentist may suggest that you wear a mouthguard overnight to protect your teeth from subconscious bruxism as you sleep.
Skipped Dental Cleanings
Many patients may consider it easier to skip routine dental appointments rather than try to schedule a visit during the chaos of the pandemic. This can be highly detrimental to your oral health and inherently the appearance of your smile.
During regular dental check-ups, your dentist examines your mouth to ensure there are no underlying concerns and thoroughly cleans your teeth. This cleaning helps keep enamel strong enough to resist cosmetic damage. You should visit your dentist every six months for these appointments.