Your physical health can be impacted by stress more than you may realize. High levels of stress can cause damage to your oral health, mental stamina, sleep quality, and much more. When it comes to your teeth, stress could lead to cavities, tooth sensitivity, and worsened chronic conditions. Following proper oral hygiene is important, but limiting anxiety and worry is also important if you want to keep your teeth in the best shape possible. 

Canker Sores

One of the first signs of stress-induced oral problems is canker sores. These ulcers can form inside your mouth and be uncomfortable while eating or talking, especially when eating something spicy or drinking something cold. Canker sores can become more frequent if you are unable to manage your stress. If canker sores don’t heal after a week or are becoming common, work with your dental team to find treatment options and tips for limiting stress. 

Increased Risk Of Tooth Decay

Chronic stress affects our immune system, which can prevent our bodies from fighting off infections or bacteria responsible for tooth decay. Stress can be a trigger for gum disease or tooth decay, resulting in more frequent trips to your dentist. Cavities, gum irritation, and tooth decay will need to be handled quickly by a dentist to prevent entire tooth loss. 

Stress can also affect our diet, which may lead to stress eating and increased sugar. If you are eating sugary foods, acidic drinks, or lacking essential vitamins and minerals, your teeth can suffer. Eating vegetables, fruits, and drinking plenty of water, even when you are stressed, will help you foster better oral health.

Development Of TMJ

Muscle tension is common when you experience anxiety, which can contribute to MJ disorders. Jaw pain, teeth grinding, or strained facial muscles can cause long-term symptoms. The tension in your jaw can come with clicking or popping sounds, difficulty chewing, and frequent headaches. Fostering time for relaxation and giving your jaw muscles a break will help you avoid pain and extensive physical therapy treatment. Working with your dentist can help you avoid TMJ or jaw tension through relaxation or medication.

Dry Mouth

The production of saliva helps to prevent your mouth from getting dry, flush out food particles, and prevent bacterial growth. Stress can impact the production of saliva, causing your tongue and teeth to feel extra dry. Our body’s natural response to stress is to focus on healing other parts of the body or keep you healthy when your diet isn’t the best. Dry mouth can lead to further oral issues down the line, such as bad breath, tooth decay, or gum disease.

Ways To Limit Stress

Finding useful ways to limit stress or relax after a stressful day can do wonders for your oral and mental health. Limiting stress can seem daunting when you don’t have the right tools. Here are some tips for helping to lower your body’s fight-or-flight response. 

• Practice meditation
• Create a regular exercise routine
• Maintain a balanced diet
• Limit your caffeine and alcohol consumption
• Prioritize sleep
• Use a mouthguard while sleeping to prevent grinding
• Take PTO or a small vacation
• Try a new hobby
• Talk with a friend
• Take supplements or vitamins

Working With Your Dentist On Stress-Induced Oral Problems

If you suspect your stress is causing problems with your oral health, working with your dentist to help manage your stress or plan frequent check-ups can help prevent extreme dental deterioration. Your dentist may not be able to eliminate your stress, but they can help catch problems early, before they turn into tooth decay, leading to a root canal or extraction. Dentists with our team can help tailor a care plan specific to your unique needs and provide the most up-to-date dental techniques possible. Communicating your concerns to your dentist can help both dentists and patients stay on top of bacteria and provide insight into how to improve your oral hygiene.

Avenues Dentistry

Avenues Dentistry is proud to serve the Salt Lake City, UT, area with general dentistry, cosmetic procedures, dental implants, root canals, and more. Our team is committed to helping you love your smile and feel your best by providing fillings, implants, crowns, and smile makeovers when necessary. Our dentists work with patients of all ages, helping more people to have enhanced oral health and avoid serious health issues. Reach out to us to get a cleaning or check-up today!

Losing any tooth can be incredibly difficult. Not only will it compromise your bite, but it may also harm your confidence. But no tooth loss has quite as much of an effect on your confidence as the loss of your front teeth. You may find yourself smiling less often and missing out on plans with your friends and family as you struggle with this loss. 

Thankfully, there are a few great ways to restore your smile. The most reliable options for replacing missing teeth include dental implants and bridges. But, when you have missing front teeth, which is the best option? In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you restore your missing front teeth. 

What are Dental Implants and Dental Bridges? 

Dental bridges and dental implants are two common solutions for replacing missing teeth, particularly missing front teeth, which can affect both appearance and oral function. A dental implant is a reliable prosthetic option that is designed to bridge the gap between your missing teeth, including missing front teeth. 

When your dental bridge is constructed, it is designed to attach to the adjacent natural teeth. Bridges are fixed in place, restoring the ability to chew and speak properly while improving the appearance of your smile. Dental implants, on the other hand, are a more permanent solution to restoring missing teeth. 

An implant involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root. When you get dental implants, this process includes the surgical placement of titanium posts in the jawbone. Once the implant site heals, a crown is crafted and attached. Not only does this restore the function of your smile, but it also creates a natural appearance. 

When you’re missing front teeth, bridges and implants are great options for restoring your confidence and oral function. However, it can be difficult to determine which is best for restoring your oral health, function, and appearance. 

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Each

The Benefits of Dental Implants

• More Durable: When you’re investing in dental implants, you can trust that they’re designed to last for years to come. You won’t have to worry about these breaking down during everyday activities, such as eating, drinking, and speaking. 
• Preserves Jawbone: With the addition of a dental implant, your jawbone is continually stimulated. Without the implant, your bone may otherwise deteriorate, resulting in significant changes to your facial appearance. 
• Increased Comfort: Dental implants are held in place using posts that are inserted in the jaw. With these prosthetics, you don’t need to worry about them slipping or moving throughout the day or while enjoying a meal with your loved ones. 

The Drawbacks of Dental Implants

• High Upfront Cost: Dental implants can be incredibly expensive, especially if you suddenly lose your teeth. On average, implants cost $3,000 to $6,000 per implant, which may be more than you can reasonably justify. 
• Time-Consuming Process: From start to finish, the dental implant process can take some patients up to one year to complete. If you’re missing front teeth, this may be far longer than you can comfortably go without these teeth. 

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

• More Affordable Prosthetic: If you are working on a limited budget, dental bridges are a cost-effective option. They are the less expensive prosthetic option, without having to compromise on the appearance of your smile after treatment. 
• Non-Surgical Option: If you are not comfortable undergoing surgery, dental bridges are a great way to avoid this. When attached with crowns, you don’t have to go through the anxiety leading up to surgery. 
• Prevent Shifting: When you invest in dental bridges, you can trust that the teeth around your missing front teeth won’t shift. The prosthetics keep these teeth in place, which can help you maintain your bite. 

The Drawbacks of Dental Bridges

• Limited Lifespan: Unlike dental implants, your dental bridge typically has an expected lifespan of 5 to 15 years. Over time, this may make the dental procedure far more expensive than if you had invested in implants upfront. 
• Bone Loss: Like any other non-invasive prosthetic option, your dental bridge doesn’t stimulate your jawbone, which can lead to the slow deterioration of the bone over time, compromising the comfort and fit of your bridge. 

Are Implants or Bridges Best for Replacing Missing Front Teeth? 

When it comes down to dental bridges or implants, both options are great for replacing missing front teeth. However, it is essential to collaborate with your trusted dental team to determine which option is best for you and your current oral health. If you have low bone density, dental implants may not be an option for you until you undergo a bone graft.

Additionally, dental implants are a far more costly investment than dental bridges. Many insurance providers don’t cover this dental prosthetic and any additional pre-procedure treatments, which means that, if you’re looking for a lower-cost option, implants may not be right for you. For those who are not good candidates for implants, bridges are a viable alternative. 

When installed by a reliable dental team, this dental prosthetic should be comfortably anchored in place. You shouldn’t have to worry about the prosthetic slipping or shifting throughout the day, making it a great way to not only restore your bite but also help you overcome any confidence issues caused by your missing front teeth. 

Restore Your Smile at Avenues Dentistry

Whether you believe dental implants or a bridge is best for replacing your missing front teeth, working with an expert dental team is an essential part of the process. By working with an experienced dental team, you can trust that you can comfortably wear your new dental prosthetic for many years to come.

If you’re looking for a reliable dental team in Salt Lake City, turn to our team at Avenues Dentistry. Since 1962, our team has been committed to providing the best dental care to patients across the Wasatch Front. No matter what dental care you need, you can trust that we have the training and tools to help you achieve a bright, healthy smile. 

When you’re ready to invest in implants or a dental bridge to replace missing front teeth, contact us to schedule an appointment. 

You start and end every day standing in front of your bathroom sink, brushing your teeth. But how much time do you spend thinking about the tools you use to do this? You may find yourself debating which toothpaste is right for your current oral health, but you may find yourself simply reaching for the most inexpensive toothbrush on the shelf. 

While this might seem inconsequential, using the right toothbrush can make a major difference in your oral health. If you haven’t already, now might be the right time to invest in an electric toothbrush. In this blog, we’ll explain why this small upgrade in your oral hygiene routine can make a major difference in your long-term oral health. 

The Role Your Toothbrush Plays in Your Oral Health

Your toothbrush is an essential tool in protecting your teeth against everyday plaque buildup, lingering food particles, and harmful bacteria. When you brush your teeth, any buildup you’ve experienced throughout the day is effectively removed, helping you protect your teeth against decay that may otherwise occur. 

But it is important that you don’t just use any toothbrush. Using a firmer-bristle toothbrush can be incredibly harsh on the sensitive tissue in your mouth. It may lead to small cuts and irritation along your gumline, increasing your risk of bacteria entering the tissue. Over time, this can cause inflammation and increased irritation, making it more painful to brush.

The next time you need to purchase a new toothbrush, it might be best to invest in an electric toothbrush. These toothbrushes provide a reliable way to scrub the surface of your teeth, removing the toughest buildup and helping to fight against surface stains, without irritating your oral tissue.

The Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush

As technology advances, it isn’t uncommon for more dental patients to consider investing in an electric toothbrush. These toothbrushes provide a thorough cleaning, addressing the toughest debris, especially on your molars and in areas that may otherwise be neglected. There are many great benefits to incorporating an electric toothbrush into your everyday oral hygiene routine, including: 

Deep Cleaning Capabilities

When you use a manual toothbrush, you rely on only your hand to remove plaque buildup from your teeth. However, when you incorporate an electric toothbrush into your routine, the additional pulsating action does a great job of breaking down plaque from the surface of and between your teeth. If you’ve noticed increased plaque and tartar buildup, this is a great way to begin addressing it and preventing further problems. 

Easy to Use

Another great benefit of incorporating an electric toothbrush into your routine is its ease of use. The toothbrush does all the action for you, allowing you to simply move it throughout your mouth to ensure every tooth is appropriately cleaned. This ease of use is especially helpful for individuals with arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma, who may find it uncomfortable trying to brush their teeth with a manual toothbrush. 

Timed Cleaning

If you find yourself struggling to brush for the two minutes recommended by dentists, investing in an electric toothbrush is a great way to achieve this goal. These toothbrushes are equipped with built-in timers that beep, blink a flashing light, or vibrate in 30-second intervals. These intervals allow you to adequately brush each quadrant of your mouth, ensuring the removal of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. 

Great Option for Children

When trying to get your child excited about starting their oral hygiene routine, using an electric toothbrush is a great way to do so. Many children’s electric toothbrushes come in bright colors or feature their favorite cartoon characters, which can help get them excited about using them every day. If you want to ensure they use it as recommended, it is best to brush alongside them. 

Pressure Sensors

Some dental patients may find that they apply too much pressure when brushing, resulting in gum recession. Many newer electric toothbrushes come equipped with pressure sensors, alerting you when you’re applying too much pressure. With these sensors, you can trust that you are using just enough pressure to address plaque buildup without compromising your long-term oral health. 

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush Head? 

While using an electric toothbrush is an incredibly important part of your oral hygiene routine, it is also essential to change the toothbrush head frequently enough. But how often should this be changed? To protect your smile from potential oral health complications, you should replace the head of your toothbrush once every three to four months.

However, there are a few situations where it may be necessary to change the toothbrush head earlier than this. If you are recovering from a virus, such as the flu or a cold sore, you may want to replace your toothbrush head to prevent reinfection. Additionally, if your dentist has recently treated you for more severe periodontal disease, it may be time for a replacement. 

Finally, if your toothbrush head is frayed, this can compromise your toothbrush’s ability to provide a thorough cleaning. If it is frayed, replace it to ensure your toothbrush can effectively remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial buildup. By replacing it regularly, you can achieve a thorough cleaning without worrying about spreading infection and bacterial growth. 

Protect Your Smile at Avenues Dentistry

In addition to using an electric toothbrush, it is essential that you schedule regular appointments with a reliable dental team. If you’re looking for a reliable dentist in the Salt Lake City area, turn to our team at Avenues Dentistry for support. For over 60 years, we’ve provided comprehensive dental care to patients across the Salt Lake area. 

From standard dental cleanings to periodontal treatment, cosmetic dentistry, and more, we offer a comprehensive range of services. No matter your dental needs, you can trust that we have the tools and training to help you achieve your brightest, healthiest smile. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team of experts at Avenues Dentistry, don’t hesitate to contact us today.