Smoking adversely affects oral health by: • Increasing the risk of gum disease • Delaying healing after dental procedures • Causing bad breath and staining teeth • Elevating oral cancer risk Quitting smoking improves oral health and the success of dental treatments.

Pregnancy can affect oral health due to hormonal changes, increasing the risk of: • Gum inflammation (pregnancy gingivitis) • Pregnancy tumors (harmless overgrowths on gums) • Enamel erosion from morning sickness Maintaining regular brushing, flossing, and safe dental check-ups during pregnancy is crucial for both mother and baby’s health.

Laminate veneers may not be suitable for individuals with: • Severe tooth misalignment or bite issues • Insufficient enamel • Habitual teeth grinding (unless managed with a night guard) • Active gum disease A thorough dental examination is necessary to determine veneer suitability.

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is closely linked to stress, anxiety, and tension. Solutions include: • Using a night guard • Stress-reduction practices (yoga, therapy, exercise) • Mindfulness techniques to become aware of daytime clenching Addressing the root causes of stress can significantly reduce grinding episodes