April is Stress Awareness Month. It’s a good time to remind you that stress can do some nasty things to your health – including your dental health. Fortunately, we can help you stop stress-related smile damage.

If you need to make an appointment in Edgewood, KY, call us at 859-474-7830. In the meantime, check out our smile-saving tips:

  • Drink Plenty of Water – Saliva is a natural cavity fighter, as it rinses away bits of food and disease-causing bacteria. So your dental health can suffer if you have a dry mouth. Since stress has a tendency to dry out your mouth, make sure you are drinking enough water. You can also encourage saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free mints. If you choose products with xylitol, you’ll get added protection against cavities.
  • Keep Your Smile Part of Your Self-Care – Unfortunately, self-care often gets neglected when you are under stress. But you need to ensure you are brushing and flossing every day. Otherwise, you are more prone to problems like cavities and gum disease. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen us or you’ve been neglecting your daily oral hygiene, visit us soon for a cleaning and exam.
  • Stop Grinding Teeth With a Mouthguard – Stress shows itself in obvious ways – and some that may be less obvious, like grinding teeth. This harmful habit often happens at night, while you sleep. It can damage your teeth and cause jaw pain and headaches. Our dentists can fit you for a custom-made mouthguard that protects your teeth and relieves pressure on your jaw. 
  • Use Stress-Busting Strategies – Don’t just respond to what stress does to your mouth – and the rest of you. Try some of the smart strategies to reduce stress from this short video.
  • Keep Your Gums Healthy – Stress affects your ability to fight off infection – and that includes gum infections. If your gums become infected it affects both your oral and overall health. If you notice signs of trouble like bleeding or tender gums, visit our office right away. Gum disease treatment keeps the problem from becoming worse and advancing to a stage where you can potentially lose teeth. 

Call 859-474-7830 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at Edgewood Dental Care. Let us keep you from suffering stress-related smile damage!