The ongoing global pandemic and its accompanying risks, restrictions, and regulations have increased the stress levels of individuals around the world. Heightened stress can negatively impact your overall wellbeing, including your oral health.
If you remain aware of your oral habits, you can keep your smile looking and feeling its best during these trying times. Dr. Sahil Goyal, a dentist practicing in Columbia, MD, describes three ways you can protect your smile from poor oral habits that stem from stress.
Avoid Beverages That Stain Your Teeth
Stress can interfere with 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 busy day.
Dark-colored beverages like tea and coffee contain tannins, which can absorb into your tooth enamel and leave stains on the surface of your teeth. These cannot be removed with typical oral hygiene practices.
You may add milk to your beverage or use a straw to decrease the chances of tooth discoloration, but these tips will not eliminate the risk of staining your smile completely. You should limit your consumption of these beverages to preserve your tooth color. If you notice staining or yellowing in your smile, ask your dentist about professional teeth whitening treatment.
Pay Attention to Teeth Grinding
Increased stress levels can initiate or exacerbate a teeth grinding or clenching habit. The grating of the top teeth against the bottom teeth creates abnormally high pressure that can cause serious dental damage.
Continued teeth grinding can cause teeth to chip, crack, or fracture, requiring cosmetic or restorative dental work to repair. Your dentist may recommend wearing a mouthguard overnight to protect teeth from this behavior as you sleep.
Continue Regular Visits to Your Dentist
Some dental patients may think it is easier to skip their regular dentist appointments rather than schedule a visit during pandemic restrictions. This can have severe consequences for your smile’s structure and appearance.
Your dentist conducts crucial cleaning for your teeth during these appointments and also examines your smile for early signs of dental problems. You should visit your dentist every six months for optimal preventative dental care.
Cosmetic Dentistry Experts in Columbia, MD
Columbia Family Dentist offers professional teeth whitening services and other cosmetic dentistry treatments to patients in Columbia, MD. Dr. Goyal also specializes in general and restorative dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact us online or reach our office by phone at 410.670.8211.