How Stress Affects Oral Health
Our mouths are sensitive to stress. Just like tight muscles and a headache,our mouths have a way of responding to stress with their own undesirable feedback. So it’s official: we are no longer allowed to get stressed out about anything!
Well...that’s not entirely possible, is it? You might already be experiencing the effects of stress on your gums and teeth without knowing it! But not to worry--at Honest Teeth Dentistry, we’re here to take stress off of your plate, not add to it. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a few things to look out for:
Gum Disease: Stress wreaks havoc on the immune system, increasing risks for developing gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an inflammation of the gums due to a buildup of sticky plaque. It may not sound serious at first, but believe us...the long-term effects of gum disease can be complicated and costly to treat. If left untreated, what begins as a minor irritation in the gums may lead to periodontitis, which can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and eventual tooth loss.
How to Treat Gum Disease: Flush and bross! Wait...we mean brush and floss!! This gets rid of the bacterial residue, or plaque, on your teeth. And please, visit your local dentist! Professional cleanings, like the kind we offer at Honest Teeth Dentistry, remove plaque and allows us to keep your oral health in tip-top shape. And that’s our honest goal.
Teeth Grinding: Also known as bruxim, the act of clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth can lead to problems with a joint known as TMJ that's located in front of your ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. Grinding causes excessive wear and tear on your teeth, leading to tooth damage.
A custom orthodontic device,such as a custom designed mouthguard, can prevent damage to your enamel from teeth grinding and reduce tenderness in your jaw muscles due to clenching and grinding.
Poor Dental Hygiene: Stress or depression may cause you to skip out on basic dental hygiene habits like flossing, rinsing, and even brushing your teeth. You may also ditch your healthy eating habits, too. Unfortunately, neglect and a buildup of sugary foods can lead to the formation of cavities and gum disease.
Picking up a regular exercise routine is one healthy way to pick up your mood, and when you’re reminded to take care of your body you may feel better inclined to make healthy choices and get back in the routine of caring for your mouth! Of course, we always encourage a visit to the dentist if you are concerned about your dental health. A simple teeth cleaning may do wonders for your smile.
Smile Makeovers in Elm Grove
We want your smile to be one less thing to worry about. If stress has affected your oral health in any way, Dr. Meinerz offers a variety of services in cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
For cracked or chipped teeth due to grinding, veneers cover up chips, fractures, discolorations, or small spaces between teeth for a more symmetrical and youthful appearance. They are ultra-thin coverings made up or a composite resin or porcelain that look exactly like natural teeth.
If poor dental hygiene or gum disease resulted in tooth loss, dental implants and crowns can replace the missing tooth or teeth, as well as protect damaged teeth from further harm or decay.
We also offer teeth straightening with Invisalign, teeth whitening, dentures, bonding and recontouring and emergency dentistry. Whatever your needs are, we have the gentle solution!
Protect and Restore Your Oral Health at Honest Teeth Dentistry
We are here to help you through whatever stresses you are experiencing. Your health and your confidence is our top priority. We take great pride in our team’s gentle and caring service! Call our office in Elm Grove today at (262) 784-7770 so that we can help you restore your smile’s natural function and beauty!