Even the most relaxed individual has times when schedules pinch or challenging people need attention. Stress can come from many sources, and we all handle it in different ways. Maybe you have a favorite walk, or a shady park bench when you can sit for a few minutes. There are meditation apps for your phone, and books and articles with tips on calming breath. Unmanaged stress not only takes a toll on your mood and mental calm, it can affect the very health of your teeth. Stick with good preventive tooth care habits, and don’t let stress harm your smile!
Maintain Good Eating Habits
Stress hormones cause cravings for sweets and carbohydrates, and snacking can become an all day affair. For your healthiest smile, especially when under stress, try to stick with crunchy, not-too-sweet snacks like baby carrots and hummus or crisp fruits and vegetables or sugarless gum. Cheese cubes and other snacks with dairy benefit your teeth. Rinse your mouth after eating, to flush food particles from your teeth and gums.
Don’t Bite Your Nails
Nail biting, pencil chewing and ice crunching are nervous habits that can harm your teeth. Chewing on any non-food object is a hazard for your dental health. Hard surfaces can cause chips and cracks in your teeth, and you risk pinching, biting or cutting your lips, tongue, gums and cheeks.
Watch Out For Teeth Grinding
Not all instances of teeth grinding are stress-related, but if you grind your teeth for any reason, you expose tooth surfaces to excessive wear and pressure. Whether teeth grinding is a short-term stress response, or a subconscious nighttime habit, talk to your dentist. A custom fitted mouthguard or other dental appliance can protect and separate the teeth, protecting them from the pressures of teethgrinding.
Protect Your Smile from Daily Stress
If challenges at work or home are causing stress, you can still protect your dental health. Take a deep breath and then take steps, if necessary to schedule a visit in Prairie Village, KS by calling Robert M Browne, DDS at (913) 901-8585.
