April is Stress Awareness Month. Stress affects you mentally but also physically. That includes your oral health. You should be aware of the risks that stress can pose to your smile. Fortunately, we’ve also got some tips that will help keep your smile in great shape.

If you need to make an appointment to see us in Tigard, OR or have questions, call us today at 503-210-9802. In the meantime, check out our tips:

  • Don’t Skip Brushing and Flossing – Stress sometimes causes us to neglect self-care. But do your best to maintain your daily brushing and flossing routines. Irregular oral hygiene can result in cavities and gum disease. These issues can cause more serious problems. If you’re due for an exam or have been neglecting your home dental care, come in for a cleaning and exam
  • Keep an Eye on Your Gums – Stress can affect your body’s ability to fight off infection. This includes infection in your gums. So it’s important to see us right away if you notice any early signs of gum disease, like bleeding or tenderness. We’ll treat it so it doesn’t advance to a later stage, where gums can recede and you might lose teeth. 
  • Drink Lots of Water – Stress also often dries out your mouth. That affects your oral health because a lack of saliva makes you more prone to decay and other dental problems. Drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free mints to keep saliva flowing. We can also suggest products that may help. 
  • Try Stress-Busting Strategies – Instead of simply responding to what stress does to your mouth – and the rest of you – try some strategies to reduce stress. This short video has some great ideas.
  • Get a Mouthguard to Stop Grinding – One habit linked to stress is teeth grinding. This can result in broken or chipped tooth enamel. It can also cause a sore jaw and headaches. You can stop grinding with a custom-fit mouthguard

To schedule an appointment at Premier Dental and Implants call 503-210-9802 today, or contact us online. Let us help you maintain your oral health!