Don’t Let Stress Damage Your Teeth

The past year or so has been… interesting, to say the least. With lockdowns, working from home, schooling from home, and everything in between, it’s only normal to feel more stressed than usual. But during these times of increased stress, it’s more important than ever to take care of your health. After all, stress can put us at increased risk for health problems such as heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, and a less effective immune system. But that’s not all. Stress can also put your oral health at risk and require a visit to your dentist in Reno

How Stress Relates to Oral Health

There was an article published in the New York Times that details one dentist’s experience with seeing an increase in patients with dental damage during the pandemic. Now, while a pandemic is certainly a good reason to stress, there are other everyday stressors that can also cause problems with your oral health, with or without a pandemic. 

Teeth Clenching & Grinding – When we become stressed, we may notice an increased heart rate or feelings of anxiety. But what we may not notice, at least not right away, is how we clench our teeth together tightly or grind them back and forth against each other. But these two habits that often occur subconsciously can cause some serious problems in your mouth. Repeatedly clenching or grinding your teeth can cause teeth to chip, break, or crack, requiring restorative dentistry treatment from your dentist in Reno. What’s more, that repetitive movement and pressure of clenching and grinding your teeth can put excessive stress on the jaw joint. Over time, this can cause TMD (temporomandibular disorder), a painful condition that causes jaw popping, jaw pain, or clicking of the jaw. 

Gum Disease – High stress levels may also increase the risk of developing gum disease. Gum disease is a serious infection in the mouth that can lead to tooth loss and other problems throughout the body including heart disease, kidney disease, and even some cancers. Gum disease can be treated and reversed if caught early, but in its more advanced stages, it becomes irreversible. Gum disease is usually the result of poor oral hygiene, but stress can also put you at risk for this concerning problem. If you notice signs of gum disease including red swollen gums, bleeding when your brush or floss, or chronic bad breath, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Reno

Canker Sores – We’re all pretty familiar with canker sores — those painful lip sores that seem to pop up from nowhere. While there is no concrete cause behind these pesky pimple-like sores, research conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry suggests a possible correlation between stress and the development of canker sores. Even though these sores can be painful, they’re not contagious and should go away on their own. 

Lower Stress, Protect Your Health

Whenever you’re feeling stressed out, it’s important to try some stress-reducing activities to ease your mind and protect your oral and overall health. Some things you can try include:

  • Sleeping. Aim to get 8 hours of sleep a night to refresh your mind and body. 
  • Exercising. A quick sweat session can release feel-good hormones called endorphins and lower stress. 
  • Meditating. There’s a ton of value in simply taking a few quiet minutes to just breathe. Focusing on your breath can lower your heart rate and make you feel more relaxed. 

Now more than ever, it’s important to do everything we can to manage stress to keep ourselves healthy. So get some sleep, get sweaty, and breathe it out.

Does A Chipped Tooth Need Cosmetic Or Restorative Work?

Your chipped tooth may be unpleasant to look at, but is the problem also a threat to your oral health? Relatively minor dental injuries can lead to some confusion. While you may be aware of its effects on your smile, it can be hard to know how much damage a relatively small chip has done to your tooth. Your Reno, NV dentist’s office can provide an examination, and determine what course of action is appropriate. They can let you know if a tooth is only in need of cosmetic dental work, or if the damage needs to be addressed through restorative dental treatmentContinue reading “Does A Chipped Tooth Need Cosmetic Or Restorative Work?”

Did You Know You Could Have A Tooth-Colored Filling?

The right materials can make a big difference in just about any setting. When it comes to restorative dental work, having the right material for your dental filling makes it possible to preserve the appearance of your tooth. Because your Reno, NV dentist’s office provides composite resin fillings, you can have expert cavity care without worrying what your restoration will do to your smile. You can also look forward to an impressive degree of support, as composite resin actually bonds directly with your enamel. This means that in addition to looking more like your natural tooth, your filling will enjoy more support, and you can have fewer concerns about your filling shifting, or loosening. Continue reading “Did You Know You Could Have A Tooth-Colored Filling?”

How Can You Tell If A Toothache Will Call For A Root Canal?

Your tooth hurts when you try to put pressure on it. You feel uncomfortable when it is exposed to heat, or cold. You may even feel persistent pain throughout your day. When you have some, or all, of these problems, what can your Reno, NV dentist’s office do to help? Many people who experience chronic pain or sensitivity in their tooth are experiencing the effects of an infection, which will require a root canal treatment. This restorative dental procedure offers important help in your fight against advanced cavities and infections. Without care, your tooth’s condition can continue to worsen until you have to have it removed! An infection also creates a risk because it can spread through the root of your tooth, and continue to do harm. Continue reading “How Can You Tell If A Toothache Will Call For A Root Canal?”

Should I Have An Old Dental Crown Replaced?

Are you concerned with an older dental crown that feels less secure, or seems to offer less support? It is important to remember that crowns are expected to offer protection for a tooth against future dental troubles, while also absorbing biting and chewing pressures. Both of these qualities contribute to your overall oral health – an infection in a tooth can lead to obvious concerns, and a compromised bite can create unexpected difficulties. Let your Reno, NV dentist know if you think your older crown might need to be replaced. You can receive a modern dental crown that provides excellent support, and you can look forward to the cosmetic benefits that come with a modern, life-like crown made from ceramic.  Continue reading “Should I Have An Old Dental Crown Replaced?”

Do You Know How Harmful A Cavity Can Be To A Tooth?

Are you doing enough to make sure that your teeth are completely safe from cavities? Tooth decay poses a real threat to your oral health, and if a problem goes without treatment, you can suffer some unpleasant complications. Did you know that a cavity will eventually do irreparable harm if it is not treated? Did you know that a cavity can make it possible for bacteria to spread into your jawbone, and affect other teeth? Your oral health care affects your appearance, and it can impact your overall well-being. Your Reno, NV dentist is ready to help if you need restorative dental care, and we welcome patients looking to enjoy preventive care.  Continue reading “Do You Know How Harmful A Cavity Can Be To A Tooth?”

Addressing Your More Significant Smile Concerns

Through modern restorative dental work, your Reno, NV dentist can help you maintain your best smile when a problem arises. Patients who maintain a good oral care regimen, and seek regular dental checkups, may only need a dental filling to address a problem. However, not everyone is so diligent about their oral care. If you are looking to address more serious dental problems, you should know that modern care is available to you. Through the appropriate treatment or treatments, your dentist can provide you with care that returns your teeth to good health. Because modern care uses life-like materials to construct restorations, your treatment can also lead to terrific smile improvements. Continue reading “Addressing Your More Significant Smile Concerns”

Are Your Older Restorations Still In Good Shape?

The purpose of a dental restoration is to make sure a tooth has sufficient support for biting and chewing pressures, and protection against infection. While dental fillings and dental crowns are frequently seen as intended for teeth in need of a cavity treatment, crowns are also used in cases where a person suffers physical damage that affects a tooth’s health and condition. When they are put in place, it is expected that they will hold up for many years. With that said, if you have an older restoration, or one that feels uncomfortable or insecure, bring the matter to the attention of your dentist. If you have a filling or crown in need of replacement, ignoring the problem can put you at risk for problems. Continue reading “Are Your Older Restorations Still In Good Shape?”

Restoring Your Smile When You Have Several Dental Issues

If you need to do something about a cavity, you can schedule an appointment for the necessary restorative dental care. If you need to do something about several dental problems, you may be intimidated by the level of care you assume your smile requires. This is particularly true if you are dealing with advanced tooth decay, or other dental problems, like tooth loss. Fortunately, your dentist is prepared to work with you to address many different problems. Our practice proudly provides comprehensive dental care, meaning you and your dentist can create a plan for restoring your smile, and you can enjoy that care all under the same roof!  Continue reading “Restoring Your Smile When You Have Several Dental Issues”

Treating A Cavity Before It Causes Internal Tooth Problems

Why is timing so important when it comes to treating a cavity? The threat posed by tooth decay is serious – if nothing is done in time, you could lose your tooth, and you could have an infection spread from the original problem tooth to your jawbone, and neighboring teeth. Prompt restorative dental care can ensure that the damage you experience is minimized, meaning a smaller restoration, and no complications. How can you make sure you have access to the right treatment as soon as possible? Your dentist can actually identify a cavity at an early stage of its formation when you go in for a routine appointment. This can help ensure that you only need a dental filling after your treatment, and it can mean escaping the need for treatment in the form of a root canal procedure. Continue reading “Treating A Cavity Before It Causes Internal Tooth Problems”