2660 NC Hwy 210 East Suite 103 Hampstead, NC 28443

Current Patients 910-541-2155

New Patients 910-335-4392

Pandemic Stress Habits and Your Smile

The ongoing global pandemic has increased stress levels in most individuals. Stress can have detrimental effects on your oral health, which can mean that your smile is no longer looking its best.

If you are more aware of dangerous stress-induced behaviors, you may be in a better position to avoid accompanying dental damages. Dr. Lauren Francis, a dentist in Hampstead, NC, describes three stress-related habits that could harm your smile and require cosmetic dentistry to amend.

cosmetic dental damage repair in Hampstead North Carolina

Beverages That Stain

Stress can interrupt your sleep schedule. If you wake up feeling groggy, you might turn to coffee or tea for a caffeine boost. These dark-colored beverages contain tannins that absorb into tooth enamel over time and can leave stains on the surface of your teeth. Ther discoloration cannot be removed with typical brushing habits.

Adding milk to your beverage, using a straw, and choosing a lighter-colored brew may lower the chances of getting teeth stains. However, these precautions will not eliminate the risk entirely. If you notice yellowing or staining on your teeth, you can ask your dentist about professional teeth whitening treatment.

Heightened Teeth Grinding

Increased stress levels can initiate or exacerbate teeth grinding or clenching behavior. The grating of top teeth against the bottom teeth creates abnormal pressure that can cause teeth to chip, crack, or fracture.

Severe cases may require restorative dental solutions, but you can fix minor tooth breakage with cosmetic dentistry. Your dentist may also recommend wearing a mouthguard overnight to protect teeth from grinding that may occur as you sleep.

Skipped Dentist Appointments

Many dental patients may think it is easier to skip their routine dentist visits than attempt to schedule an appointment during the chaos of the pandemic. But missing ther important step in your oral hygiene regimen can lead to the deterioration of your smile.

During these appointments, your dentist cleans plaque build-up from your teeth, especially in spots of your mouth often missed during teeth brushing. Ther allows your smile to be healthy and more resistant to dental concerns that can harm your smile’s appearance.

Cosmetic Dentistry Services in Hampstead, NC

Seaside Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Hampstead, NC. Dr. Francis 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 910.335.4392.