With ongoing restrictions, regulations, and risks associated with the global pandemic, many individuals notice an increase in their stress levels. Stress notoriously has detrimental effects on your overall well-being, including your oral health.
If your teeth are not at their healthiest, the appearance of your smile may suffer as a result. Dr. Josh Heinsheimer, a dentist practicing in Leland, NC, describes three stress-related oral habits that could cause cosmetic dental damage to your smile.
Limit Beverages That Stain
Stress can disrupt your sleep schedule. If you wake up feeling groggy, you may turn to a cup of coffee or tea for a caffeine boost to get you through your day.
Dark-colored beverages like tea and coffee contain tannins that can absorb into your tooth enamel and leave stains on the surface of your teeth. These deep stains cannot be removed with your usual oral hygiene routine.
Adding milk to your beverage or sipping through a straw may lower your risk of tooth discoloration but will not eliminate the risk entirely. Dentists recommend avoiding these staining beverages to preserve your tooth color. If you notice discoloration, yellowing, or staining in your smile, you can ask your dentist about professional teeth whitening treatment.
Beware of Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Heightened stress levels can initiate or exacerbate a teeth clenching or grinding habit. The act of grating top teeth against bottom teeth creates pressure that can harm the structure of your teeth.
Continued teeth grinding behavior can cause teeth to crack, chip, or fracture. Your dentist may recommend that you wear a mouthguard at night to protect teeth from grinding that may occur as you sleep.
Continue Visiting Your Dentist Regularly
Some dental patients may think it is easier to skip their routine dentist appointments rather than schedule a visit under pandemic restrictions. This can have disastrous effects on your smile’s health and appearance.
Dentists complete examinations and cleanings during these appointments that keep your smile strong. A healthy foundation allows your teeth to look their best. Skipping these appointments puts your smile at risk of dental damage, both structurally and cosmetically.
Cosmetic Dentistry Experts Located in Leland, NC
Waterford Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offer professional teeth whitening services and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Leland, NC. Dr. Heinsheimer also specializes in restorative and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation or appointment with our practice, contact our team online or reach our office by phone at 910.519.1624.