This time of the year is fun, festive and, all too often, kind of frantic. If you spend more time rushing around than relaxing during the holidays, it can adversely affect how you feel. It can even take a toll on your teeth and gums. As your dentist, we don’t want stress to affect your smile!
Consciously trying to lower stress levels can help. Check out this short video from the Mayo Clinic for some good ideas.
And follow our advice to keep your smile in good shape too:
- Don’t Stop Brushing and Flossing – It’s not uncommon for routines to suffer during busy times like the holidays. But do your best to brush twice daily and floss too. Stress weakens your body’s ability to fight infection, including gum disease, and consuming sugary treats makes you more prone to cavities. So oral hygiene is especially important right now.
- Keep Dry Mouth at Bay – Stress often also dries out your mouth. Saliva is a natural cavity-fighter, so a shortage of it can be a problem. Drink lots of water to combat it. It’s also helpful to run a humidifier overnight. Sucking on sugar-free candy and chewing sugar-free gum also promotes saliva production.
- Get a Mouthguard – One habit often linked to stress is teeth grinding. It’s obviously one that is tough on your smile – and it also causes jaw pain, headaches, and other unpleasant symptoms. We can fit you for a custom mouthguard that protects your smile and lessens discomfort. We also provide custom-made mouthguards that stop snoring, a habit that can stress both you and your bed partner.
If you think you’d benefit from a mouthguard, call Jia Y. Lee, DDS at [phone] for an appointment in our Rancho Cucamonga, CA office. We can also reverse the effects of stress on your smile with preventive care like cleanings and restorative treatments like fillings and crowns.
