With the regulations and restrictions accompanying the global pandemic for the last year, it is natural that individuals are feeling more stressed than usual. Stress can impact your health, and if your oral health is affected, you may notice cosmetic changes in your teeth.
If your smile has lost its luster recently, you can talk to your dentist about cosmetic treatment. Dr. Uttma Dham, a dentist in Plantation, FL, describes stress-related behaviors that may lead patients to pursue cosmetic dentistry.
Drinks That Stain
Stress can affect the amount of sleep you get as well as the quality of sleep. If you feel groggy due to a lack of sleep, you may turn to coffee or tea for a caffeine boost to get you through your day. These dark-colored beverages contain tannins that absorb into your tooth enamel and can leave stains on your teeth.
You can lower the risk of this happening by choosing a lighter brew or adding milk to your drink. To protect your tooth color, you should avoid these beverages or enjoy them in moderation. If you notice your teeth are yellowed, stained, or discolored, you can ask your dentist about professional teeth whitening treatment.
Teeth Grinding
Stress can lead to teeth grinding or clenching, a behavior known as bruxism. The grating of the top and bottom arches of teeth can be harmful to your teeth and jaw. This pressure may cause your teeth to crack or chip.
Severe tooth breakage may require restorative dental work, but minor cases can be amended with cosmetic dental treatments, such as tooth bonding or porcelain veneers. You can protect your teeth from grinding that occurs when you sleep by wearing a mouthguard at night.
Skipped Dental Cleanings
The disorder and stress of the pandemic may lead you to cancel your regular dental appointments. This may negatively impact your oral health as well as the appearance of your smile.
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing are crucial to your oral hygiene, but routine dental cleanings are also important. During these appointments, dentists clean plaque and tartar from your teeth that were missed with traditional brushing.
If left untreated, plaque can eat away tooth enamel and leave your smile susceptible to cosmetic damage. Your dentist can help protect your smile during these visits, so it is important to continue seeing your dentist every six months.
Cosmetic Dentistry Services in Plantation, FL
Westside Dental Center offers cosmetic dentistry treatments to patients in Plantation, FL. Dr. Dham also specializes in restorative, implant, and general dentistry. To schedule an appointment or consultation with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 954.251.0640.