You should have a good oral hygiene routine in place, one that involves effective daily habits to fight the buildup of plaque and tartar. Of course, not all days are the same, which can sometimes affect our commitment to protecting our teeth and gums. During periods of heightened stress, some people have a more difficult time making choices that protect them from problems with their dental health. Stress is also a concern because it can trigger problems with nightly teeth grinding, a habit that can lead to enamel damage! Our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office can help you stay on track with your oral health routine, and we can provide support if teeth grinding and clenching is already a concern for you.
Is There A Connection Between Stress And Poor Oral Health?
Issues with stress can make you more likely to engage in habits that make you more vulnerable to oral health trouble. For example, a time where you are under more stress may be a time where you are less careful about what you eat, which means you can exposure your teeth to more sugary, starchy foods that raise your cavity risks. If stress affects your nightly rest, it can make you less focused when brushing and flossing your teeth, which can also make you more likely to have problems that call for restorative dental work.
Teeth grinding can be triggered by more than just stress. For example, it can also occur if unresolved jaw tension becomes an issue for you. With that said, if you are not managing your stress levels, one possible physical response is the onset of a teeth grinding habit. Grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep can result in problems with enamel wear and tear, and even chipped or cracked teeth!
Protecting Teeth From Nightly Grinding And Clenching
If you need to do something about habitual teeth grinding, a problem also known as bruxism, we can help by providing you with a custom oral appliance to wear while you sleep. People affected by bruxism often grind or clench throughout the night, which means they create more friction on their teeth and cause more wear and tear. If you have an oral appliance in place while you sleep, you can protect your teeth and even reduce jaw tension created by grinding.
Make Sure You Stay Consistent With Your Regular Oral Hygiene Habits
Even at stressful times in your life, you should keep up with your commitments to preserving your healthy smile. That means brushing and flossing on a daily basis, but it also means being consistent with regular dental exams. Skipping exams because you feel overwhelmed means leaving plaque and tartar buildup to continue to attack teeth, and it means letting problems that you are unaware of worsen and negatively impact your well-being.
Your Prairie Village, KS Dentist’s Office Can Help You Preserve A Healthy Smile
Through regular dental visits and a commitment to good habits on a daily basis, you can keep your smile safe from problems! To learn more about stress and its influence on your oral health, or to make an appointment with Dr. Browne, please contact our Prairie Village, KS dental office today at 913-901-8585.
