How Stress Affects Your Dental Health

We often think of stress as something that only affects our mood, energy, or sleep. But did you know that stress can also take a toll on your teeth and gums? From jaw pain to gum disease, unmanaged stress can show up in your mouth in surprising ways.  Read the blog below to get more information on how stress affects your dental health.

1. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Stress is one of the leading causes of teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Many people don’t even realize they’re doing it, especially at night. Over time, grinding can:

• Wear down enamel

• Cause tooth sensitivity

• Lead to headaches and jaw pain

➡️ Tip: If you wake up with jaw soreness or notice flat edges on your teeth, ask about a custom night guard at your next dental visit.

2. Jaw Pain & TMJ Disorders

Tension in your jaw muscles can worsen TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, causing:

• Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth

• Difficulty chewing

• Chronic headaches

➡️ Gentle jaw stretches, relaxation techniques, and a dental evaluation can help relieve symptoms.

3. Gum Health Issues

When you’re stressed, your immune system can weaken, making it harder to fight off gum infections like gingivitis or periodontitis. Studies show that people under chronic stress may experience more gum inflammation and even slower healing after dental procedures.

➡️ Good daily brushing, flossing, and keeping up with cleanings are especially important during stressful times.

4. Dry Mouth

Stress can also affect saliva production, leaving you with dry mouth. Saliva is crucial for rinsing away bacteria and protecting teeth from cavities.

➡️ Stay hydrated, chew sugar-free gum, and check out our blog about dry mouth.

5. Canker Sores

Ever notice painful mouth ulcers during stressful weeks? Stress can trigger canker sores, making eating and speaking uncomfortable. While harmless, they’re a sign your body may be overwhelmed.

➡️ Over-the-counter rinses or gels can help ease discomfort until they heal.

Managing Stress for a Healthier Smile

Reducing stress not only helps your overall well-being, it also protects your dental health. Here are some simple strategies:

• Practice deep breathing or meditation

• Get regular exercise

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule

• Talk with your dentist if you notice stress-related dental issues

The Bottom Line

Stress doesn’t just live in your mind, it can show up in your mouth. By managing stress and staying consistent with your dental care, you can prevent long-term damage to your dental health.

If you’ve noticed jaw pain, teeth grinding, or gum issues, schedule an appointment with us. We’ll help protect your smile through both preventive care and stress-related treatments.

TikTok Dental Trends: Fun Videos or Harmful Fads? Here’s What Parents Should Know

TikTok is full of creative, funny, and even educational videos but when it comes to dental health, not every “hack” you see is safe. In recent years, a number of  TikTok dental trends have gone viral on the platform, with users showing off dramatic transformations or “DIY” solutions. While they may look harmless (or even impressive) on screen, many of these trends can cause serious and lasting damage to teeth and gums.

As dental professionals, we’ve seen an increase in patients, especially teens, trying these at home. Here’s what you should watch out for.

Common TikTok Dental Trends That Can Harm Your Smile

1. DIY Teeth Whitening with Household Products

Videos showing people brushing with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, or even cleaning products are alarmingly popular. While they may temporarily lighten teeth, these substances can erode enamel, irritate gums, and increase tooth sensitivity.

Safer option: Use ADA-approved whitening products or ask your dentist about professional whitening, which is both effective and safe for enamel.

2. Shaving Teeth for a “Perfect” Smile

Some influencers have filed down their teeth using nail files or other tools to make them look more uniform. This permanently removes protective enamel and can expose nerves, leading to extreme sensitivity, pain, and a lifelong need for crowns or veneers.

Safer option: If you want to reshape your teeth, cosmetic contouring or orthodontics under professional care can safely improve your smile.

3. At-Home Braces or Gap Closures

Some TikTokers use rubber bands, hair elastics, or paper clips to move teeth. These DIY “orthodontics” can cut off blood supply to teeth, cause gum infections, and even lead to tooth loss.

Safer option: Always see a licensed orthodontist or dentist for any tooth movement your bite, jaw health, and gum health depend on it.

4. Charcoal Toothpaste

A TikTok dental trend is the promotion of different products. Promoted as a natural whitening solution, charcoal toothpaste can be highly abrasive. Over time, it can wear away enamel and make teeth more yellow by exposing the darker dentin underneath.

Safer option: Choose toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance and safe whitening ingredients like low-abrasion silica or peroxide.

Why Teens Are Especially at Risk

Teenagers are more likely to be influenced by social media trends and peer approval, and they may not understand the long-term damage these fads can cause. A few minutes of a viral experiment can undo years of healthy habits and fixing the damage is often costly and permanent.

How Parents Can Help

• Talk openly about the risks of following health trends online.

• Encourage fact-checking before trying anything new.

• Schedule regular dental visits so issues can be addressed early.

• Lead by example by following safe, professional dental care practices.

Bottom line: What works in a 30-second TikTok clip doesn’t always work in real life — especially when it comes to your teeth. If your child is curious about improving their smile, we can help them find a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution.

📅 Book a consultation today and keep your family’s smiles healthy for years to come.

Chocolate is one of the world’s most beloved indulgences—and we get it, we love it too! But many patients wonder: Is chocolate bad for my teeth? The answer might surprise you. Let’s unwrap the facts about chocolate and your teeth.

Is Chocolate Bad for Your Teeth?

Chocolate contains sugar, which feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria produce acids that wear down enamel and can lead to cavities.

BUT—not all chocolate is created equal.

Dark Chocolate vs. Milk Chocolate

Dark chocolate (especially 70% cacao or higher) has several advantages:

• Less sugar than milk chocolate.

• Flavonoids and antioxidants that may support gum health.

• Faster melting in your mouth, which means less time on your teeth.

Milk chocolate has more sugar and often includes added fats and milk solids.

White chocolate contains no actual cocoa solids and the highest sugar content—making it the least tooth-friendly option.

Chocolate vs. Other Sweets

Compared to sticky candies, chocolate is actually less harmful:

• It melts quickly and doesn’t stick to your teeth as long.

• It’s easier to rinse away or brush off.

• It doesn’t typically linger in deep grooves like sticky candies or caramels.

How to Enjoy Chocolate the Tooth-Friendly Way

You don’t have to give it up—just enjoy it smartly:

✔️  Choose dark chocolate when possible
✔️  Eat it in one sitting (rather than snacking all day).
✔️  Rinse with water afterward.
✔️  Brush your teeth 30 minutes later.
✔️  Keep up with regular dental visits.

Our Take: A Little Chocolate is Okay!

At West Maitland Dentistry, we believe in balance. Chocolate in moderation, paired with good oral hygiene, can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

So go ahead—enjoy a square (or two) of dark chocolate. Just don’t forget to show your teeth some love too.

Need a post-sweets cleaning?
Give us a call at 407-335-4600