The ongoing global pandemic has led to rising stress levels in a large number of people. Stress can be detrimental to your overall wellbeing, including your oral health.
Deteriorating oral health can cause your smile to lose its luster. Dr. Dhara Patel, a dentist in Hoffman Estates, IL, describes three stress-related habits that can lead you to require cosmetic dentistry.
Teeth Staining Beverages
Stress can affect sleep patterns, and individuals who feel groggy after too little or low quality of sleep may turn to caffeinated beverages for a boost of energy to get through their day. Drinks like tea or coffee get their dark color from tannins, which can absorb into tooth enamel and leave stains behind.
Adding milk to your drink or choosing a lighter-colored brew may lower the risk of tooth discoloration, but these beverages should be avoided or enjoyed in moderation to preserve your teeth color. If you notice yellowing, staining, or discoloration in your teeth, you can talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening treatment.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Heightened stress levels can create or worsen teeth grinding habits. This behavior, often referred to as bruxism, occurs when the top arch of teeth grates against the bottom teeth, adding abnormal pressure to the teeth and jaw.
While teeth are durable, severe pressure can damage teeth, creating cracks, chips, or breakage that detract from the appearance of the smile. Major damage will require restorative dental work to repair, but minor cases can be fixed with cosmetic dental treatment like teeth bonding.
Skipped Dental Cleanings
Many dental patients may think it is easier to skip their routine dental cleanings during the chaos of the global pandemic. However, neglected dental care can harm the appearance of your smile in the long run.
During these cleanings, dentists clear plaque and tartar from spots in your mouth that are difficult to reach with teeth brushing and flossing. If left untreated, plaque can eat away at tooth enamel and leave it vulnerable to tooth decay and other dental concerns. It can also reduce your teeth’s ability to fight cosmetic damage.
Find Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment in Hoffman Estates, IL
Best Dental Spa offers professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Hoffman Estates, IL. Dr. Patel also specializes in restorative and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 847.660.6603.
