How Stress Affects Your Oral Health

 

How Stress Affects Your Oral Health

 

Too much stress affects your whole body, including your mouth, teeth, and gums.

The potential impact includes:

• Mouth sores, such as canker sores and cold sores
• Clenching or grinding your teeth
• Not taking care of your teeth
• Eating a bad diet
• Gum (periodontal) disease or worsening of existing periodontal disease
• Bad habits like chewing your nails, ice, pencils, or other objects
• Depression

You can prevent these oral health problems, if you know what to do.

 

Mouth Sores/Canker sores

 

small ulcers with a white or grayish base and bordered in red -- appear inside the mouth, sometimes in pairs or even greater numbers. Experts aren't sure what causes them. It could be immune system problems, bacteria, or viruses. But they do think that stress, as well as fatigue and allergies, can increase the chance of getting them. Canker sores are not contagious.

What to do: To reduce irritation, don't eat spicy, hot foods or foods with a high acid content, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits. Most canker sores disappear in a week to 10 days. For relief, try over-the-counter topical anesthetics.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are contagious. Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that often appear on or around the lips, but can also crop up under the nose or around the chin.
Emotional upset can trigger an outbreak. So can a fever, a sunburn, or skin abrasion.
What to do: Like canker sores, fever blisters often heal on their own in a week or so, but since the virus that causes them can be spread, you should start treatment as soon as you notice the cold sore forming. Medications include over-the-counter remedies and prescription antiviral drugs. Ask your doctor or dentist if you could benefit from either.

Teeth Grinding

 

Stress may make you clench and grind your teeth -- during the day or at night, and often subconsciously. Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism.
If you already clench and grind your teeth, stress could make the habit worse. And, grinding your teeth can lead to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet.
What to do: See your doctor and ask what can be done for the clenching and grinding. Your dentist may recommend a night guard, worn as you sleep, or another appliance to help you stop or minimize the actions.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Being under extreme stress may affect your mood and cause you to skip brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
If you don't take care of your mouth, your teeth and overall oral health can suffer. If you already have gum disease, skipping daily hygiene may make it worse. If your mouth is healthy, falling short on these tasks can lead to gum disease or make cavities more likely.
When you're stressed, you may also develop unhealthy eating habits, such as snacking on large amounts of sugary foods or drinks. This can put you at risk for tooth decay and other problems.
What to do: Just reminding yourself of the importance of hygiene and healthy eating may help. A regular exercise routine can relieve stress, rev up your energy levels, and encourage you to eat healthier. It may even make you more likely to tend to your mouth.

Gum Disease

Even short-term stress can mean more dental plaque.
Long-term, the stress can boost the likelihood of bleeding gums, or gingivitis, which can progress to serious gum disease.
What to do: Remember, eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist regularly, and good oral hygiene help keep gum disease at bay. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Antibacterial mouth rinses also help reduce plaque-causing bacteria.

Gum Disease

Stress can lead to depression. Learning how to handle stress can help tame the risk of gum problems getting worse.
What to do: Talk to a health care or mental health professional if you think you're becoming depressed. You want active, practical strategies to overcome or manage the challenges you face.

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Isidoros  Mereos enjoys bettering the lives of his patients through the practice of cosmetic dentistry at Precious Smiles in the Miami Beach area. Our team looks forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry.

 

Five Dental Tips for a Great Valentine's Smile!

There is nothing like a sweet Valentine's kiss, but let’s face it; if your dental health is not great, then nobody is going to want to kiss you. Below are the top five things you can do to ensure your kissability remains top notch!

1. Brush two times per day!
2. Floss daily!
3. Visit our dentist two times a year – at least!
4. Use Mouthwash!
5. Don’t be afraid to do a little self-assessment!

We hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day and many kisses to share!

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Isidoros  Mereos enjoys bettering the lives of his patients through the practice of cosmetic dentistry at Precious Smiles in the Miami Beach area. Our team looks forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry.

Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Center -Miami Beach

http://www.precioussmiles.com
(305) 532-9114
1315 Alton Rd.
Miami Beach, Fl 33139

 

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Preteens and Dental Health

For Your Preteens

Congratulations, you're almost a teenager! That means you're on the road to taking care of your own smile. Cavities aren’t just for little kids—you can get them at any age. When you consume sugary foods, soda, juice and energy drinks, you put yourself at risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Be smart. Always brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day.

The bottom line for smiles that are healthy on the inside and out:

• Always brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes.
• Floss between your teeth daily.
• Avoid sugary and starchy snacks such as soda, potato chips, and candy.
• Wear a mouth guard when you’re playing sports or other recreational activities.
• Stay away from tobacco. Cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco all increase your risk for tobacco-related health problems. They also give you bad breath!
• Don’t pierce your lips or any part of your mouth since you could crack a tooth or worse if part of the jewelry breaks off in your mouth.
• See your dentist. Regular dental visits will help set you up to be Mouth Healthy for Life.

Nutrition

Did you know that what you eat and when you eat it affects not only your overall health but your dental health too? Eating healthy foods help keep your teeth and body healthy. That's why you should try to keep the amount of sweets you eat or drink to a minimum. If you have something sweet, try to eat or drink it with a meal to limit the exposure time to your teeth.

What to Eat:

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which encourages healthy eating, a healthy diet should include:

• Fruits and vegetables. Combined these should be half of what you eat every day.
• Grains. Make sure at least half of the grains you eat are whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole wheat bread and brown rice.
• Dairy. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods.
• Lean proteins. Make lean protein choices, such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish. Try and vary your protein choices to include eggs, beans, peas and legumes, too. Eat at least 8 oz. of seafood a week.

Snacking tips:

• Snacking is hard to resist but you can do your mouth a favor by watching the amount of soda, juice or other sweetened beverages you drink.
• If you want a snack, try and choose something like fruit, low-fat cheese, yogurt or raw vegetables.
• If you chew gum, make sure it’s sugarless. Certain sugarless gums have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance for helping prevent cavities by strengthening teeth. Look for the ADA Seal on the package.

If you have braces: Good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing are especially important for people wearing braces. Your dentist may recommend avoiding certain foods that could interfere with braces or accidentally bend the wires. These foods may include nuts, popcorn, hard candy, ice and sticky foods like chewing gum, caramel or other chewy candy. If you have trouble with certain foods, try cutting them into smaller pieces first. For instance, slicing apples or carrots before eating them.
You may also experience problems eating after your braces are tightened–teeth may feel sore. The first few days are the worst, so try eating softer foods such as scrambled eggs, oatmeal, pasta, smoothies, and soups until your mouth feels better.

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Isidoros  Mereos enjoys bettering the lives of his patients through the practice of cosmetic dentistry at Precious Smiles in the Miami Beach area. Our team looks forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry.

America's Preschoolers Plagued with Cavities

Preschoolers Plagued With Cavities

For years the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that cavities in preschoolers was the number one chronic (yet preventable) condition impacting the nation's youth. A recent study of the matter has indicated the truth behind this statement. Dentists across the nation have reported an increase of preschoolers of all income levels sporting multiple cavities and tooth decay on baby teeth and have been relying on the powers of general anesthesia to help deliver the essential dental treatments to improve the conditions.

The practice has gotten many medical experts concerned. The dentists performing the work deem the application of anesthesia for these cases as a necessity as getting a child to set still for the dental treatments associated with cleaning up the mess is nearly impossible. Despite the reasons concern is a reality there are risks associated with using general anesthesia on the young including vomiting and nausea and even brain damage or death

Past research into the topic had indicated that the rise of cavities in children were linked to conditions such as poverty, asthma and lack of access to professional dental care. But the latest news shows that parents and caregivers such as nannies are causing the dental health scenarios and ignorance is often to blame. Some caregivers erroneously believe baby teeth are less important than permanent teeth as they will   eventually fall out or are scared of causing emotional harm to children as the new oral hygiene behaviors may cause tantrums. Whatever the reason behind the faulty logic, it must be altered to help reverse the trend of preschoolers being plagued with dental problems.

Dental Neglect

Kids sure grow up fast and the eruption of a first tooth is often the first indicator of the fact. While newborns may look like little toothless bundles of joy, primary tooth development occurs in the womb. By a time a child is born, milk teeth are almost completely formed, but hidden under the gums with first tooth typically erupting between ages six and twelve months. That is why parents must start by implementing dental care on day one, but the ignorance surrounding this matter is believed to be contributing to the sad state of dental health for preschoolers.

Taking care of baby teeth starts prior to the first eruption; parents are encouraged to gently wipe down gums with gauze and water after every feeding to prevent dental plaque (the cause of tooth decay) from feasting on sugar deposits. Then once the first tooth erupts parents the practice of gently wiping down juniors' gums to prevent and cavities and tooth  decay should continue until tooth two as that is the perfect time to start brushing and flossing junior's teeth in order to get a kid acclimated for life.

Poor Nutrition

The world is filled with countless natural food choices to promote dental health including whole grains, fruits, vegetables and plant based protein sources. Despite the availability of these foods and the low price point parents and caregivers are feeding their kids an excess of processed junk food with empty calories at an early age and let their children graze all day long so that there is never a complaint about hunger. That has also prompted the slew of cavities and dental problems in preschoolers.

In regards to children and their diet, every bite counts. Parents need to accept the fact that it is there job to deliver proper nutrition to their children and that means water not soda in the sippy cups, pureed apples instead of candy and reducing the overall frequency of snacking as that causes oral pH level to decline sharply, coating the teeth in acid (putting tooth enamel at risk) until saliva production amps up and washes away the coating.

Professional Dental Care

Having a child is filled with mysteries, but knowing when to bring a child to a dentist for a visit should not be one of them. As previously mentioned, wiping gums can begin soon after first feeding and regular dental check ups need to start at the sign of a first tooth eruption. That visit will help junior get familiar with dental clinics (reducing chances of dental anxiety during their lifetime), provide a pediatric dentist with the ability to educate parents on how they can manage their children's oral health better and give dentists the opportunity to deliver preventative dentistry in order to stave off tooth decay from becoming an issue.

Repairing the damage done by dental neglect in all its form can prove to be costly (the restorative treatments can cost thousands of dollars even the smallest of mouths), stressful (crying kids+dental treatments=anxiety) and can be a life altering experience. Caregivers who make a commitment to their child's oral health can help reverse the trend of preschoolers and cavities. Bringing your child to a kids' dentist can be the first step.

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Isidoros  Mereos enjoys bettering the lives of his patients through the practice of cosmetic dentistry at Precious Smiles in the Miami Beach area. Our team looks forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry.

Make it a New year and a New you: New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Smile!

Every new year we all get a fresh start, an opportunity to make changes in our lives. You may be considering resolving to save more money, get a better job or lose weight. Many people set new goals about having a healthier lifestyle in the new year. Why not make one of your New Year’s resolutions improving your dental health? Below are a few healthy resolutions can keep your teeth healthy for years to come.

Change Your Toothbrush at Least Every Three Months

Even though your brush may look normal, after three months the bristles become weakened and are not effective. It is also a good idea to get a new toothbrush after an illness. And never (yuck) share your toothbrush with anyone.

 

Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables

Eating well is important for your dental health. Poor nutrition can affect the entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common oral disorders, including gum (periodontal) disease. Antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, helping to protect your teeth and gums. In addition, crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.

See Your Dentist for Regular Checkups

By seeing your dentist at least twice a year, you can help prevent any dental health problems before they cause discomfort or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment. Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and recommend a dental health regimen to address areas of concern.

For this new year, resolve to treat your mouth right: improve your diet, quit smoking and improve your oral hygiene habits – your teeth and your body will thank you for it!

You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry.

Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Center -Miami Beach

http://www.precioussmiles.com

(305) 532-9114

1315 Alton Rd.

Miami Beach, Fl 33139

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PreciousSmilesDentistry

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/112129551130560619283/posts

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/izzymereos?feature=mhee