The heightened regulations, restrictions, and risks of the ongoing global pandemic have led to higher stress levels in many individuals. Stress can negatively impact your overall wellbeing, including your oral health.
If your oral health deteriorates, your smile may not be looking its best. McLeansville Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, a dental practice in McLeansville, NC, describes three stress-related behaviors that can harm your teeth and lead you to pursue cosmetic dentistry solutions.
Beverages that Stain
Stress can affect your sleeping patterns. If you wake up feeling groggy, you will likely reach for tea or coffee for a caffeine boost to help get through the day. These beverages get their dark color from substances called tannins.
Over time, tannins absorb into tooth enamel and leave stains on the surface of your teeth. These cannot be removed with typical teeth brushing regimens.
While adding milk to your beverage, drinking through a straw, or selecting a lighter-colored brew can lower the chances of tooth discoloration, they do not eliminate the risk. You can ask your dentist about professional teeth whitening treatment if you notice staining or yellowing in your smile.
Teeth Clenching and Grinding
Increased stress levels can initiate or exacerbate existing teeth grinding or clenching habits. The heightened pressure that comes with grating the top and bottom arches of teeth against each other can cause teeth to chip, crack, or fracture.
Minor damage can be amended with tooth bonding, filling in tooth breakage to create an even smile. Your dentist might recommend wearing a mouthguard at night to protect teeth from further dental harm from grinding that may occur as you sleep.
Skipped Dental Cleanings
Many patients may think it is easier to skip their regular dentist appointments than try to schedule a visit during the chaos of the pandemic. However, lapsing dental cleanings can mean your oral health is deteriorating.
During these routine appointments, your dentist clears plaque build-up from your teeth to ensure they remain strong and healthy. Thusly, they will be better able to resist cosmetic damage. Your dentist can also provide fluoride treatment during these visits to further strengthen tooth enamel.
Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments Available in McLeansville, NC
McLeansville Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in McLeansville, NC. Our practice also specializes in restorative and general dentistry, including both preventative and emergency care. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 336.506.6545.