Stress isn’t necessarily bad, but too much of it can take a serious toll on your overall health. While you may know about how chronic stress can put unnecessary strain on the heart and the endocrine system, you many not be aware of how frequently experiencing emotions like anxiety and exhaustion can harm your oral health. Here’s a quick look at how too much stress can wreck your smile and how your dentist can help.
Don’t Let the Daily Grind Wear Down Your Teeth
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a common response to stress that can chip, crack, and wear down teeth while also forcing them out of alignment and eroding gum tissue. It can also gradually misalign the jaw, resulting in chewing difficulties as well as back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
Untreated bruxism can lead to serious oral pain as well as permanent tooth loss. If you grind your teeth during stressful situations when you are awake, being aware of the habit can help you break it. If you grind your teeth in your sleep, wearing a customized nightguard from your dentist is the best way to prevent damage.
Don’t Let Exhaustion Discourage You from Practicing Proper Oral Hygiene
Many people work so hard during the day that it can be a little too easy to forgo routine oral hygiene habits before going to bed. However, neglecting to brush and floss every day will lead to destructive and painful oral infections that can be costly to treat, undoubtedly stressing you out further. To prevent this, make sure you brush at least twice a day, floss once daily, and visit your dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings.
Don’t let chronic stress lead to serious oral health issues that can cause significant pain and diminish the beauty of your smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to make sure your smile stays beautiful and healthy even when under stress.
About the Practice
St. Albans Dental offers the finest oral health services in St. Albans City. Led by Drs. Tyler Aten, Kelsey Cone, and MeKayla Davico, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, compassion, and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about the best ways to preserve your oral health, contact the office online or dial (802) 524-4844.