Some of your daily habits could be seriously harming your teeth. This is simply because you’re not aware of the imminent danger and nothing bad has happened yet. Thus, your Cherry Hill dentist wants you to be aware of some important information while you have the chance to make corrections in your behaviors. This intervention will prevent a dental emergency or damage to your teeth, so read on to learn more.
Dangerous Activities to Avoid
Here are some activities you definitely want to stay away from:
- Eating Ice – Although the enamel of your teeth is the hardest substance in your body, it is still very vulnerable to breaking. Eating ice can definitely cause this to happen because two hard surfaces are opposing each other, and it’s not a given that your teeth will always win the battle.
- Biting Your Nails – Biting your nails is a big no-no. It’s because your teeth were not designed to carry out that function. For one, the surface of your nails is very hard, placing your teeth in danger of breaking. Secondly, biting down on your nails has a similar effect as grinding your teeth, which can wear down your enamel.
- Using Your Teeth as Tools – As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to turn yourself into a human bottle opener. Not only can using your teeth as tools cause your ivories to chip or break, it can result in a dental emergency.
- Grinding Your Teeth (Bruxism) – You may have an issue with grinding your teeth when you feel anxiety or while you sleep. Either way, it’s bad for your enamel. One remedy for conscious grinding is to seek methods for stress reduction such as meditation or adopting a new exercise regimen. For bruxism that occurs while sleeping, your dentist can create a mouthguard for you to wear.
- High Sugar Intake – When you consume a diet that is high in sugar, it is the equivalent of bathing your teeth in a constant stream of acid. This is because sugar is the primary sustenance of bacteria, and as you feed them what they desire, they grow and become more acidic, expediting tooth decay.
- Smoking or Chewing Tobacco – One of the many reasons to avoid smoking or chewing tobacco is that it releases harmful toxins in your mouth that inhibit the natural flow of oxygen. This also creates an environment more suitable to the growth of bacteria.
How Your Dentist Can Help
One of the best ways to ensure that your current practices are conducive to your oral health is by visiting your dentist semi-annually. At these appointments, you’ll receive thorough cleanings to remove harmful plaque and tartar that have collected, but your dentist will also be able to detect any damage to your teeth. In addition, she will review the best practices for maintaining your oral wellness with you.
By taking heed to the above information and maintaining semi-annual visits for preventive care, you can be sure to enjoy excellent oral health for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Jodi B. Meadvin earned her DMD degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. She then went on to complete her residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Dr. Meadvin remains committed to helping each patient maintain dental care habits that’ll keep them smiling for years at Meadvin Dental. She can be reached for more information through her website.