Even if you have a great dental care routine and see your dentist twice a year, you can still find yourself with chipped, stained, or broken teeth. While not every dental mishap can be avoided, many are caused by simple bad habits we practice every day. Thankfully, knowing which behaviors to avoid can go a long way in keeping your pearly whites safe. Your Conway dentist reveals some common everyday activities that could damage your smile and how you can best take care of your teeth.
Break Up with Hard Surfaces, Not Your Teeth
Did you know that your enamel is the strongest substance in your body? Unfortunately, there are plenty of objects and materials out in the world that are harder than it. Avoid exposing your teeth to these hard objects and protect them from breaking by:
- Wearing a mouthguard while you play sports and a helmet when cycling, roller skating, or skateboarding.
- Determining if you suffer from bruxism, or nightly teeth grinding, and treating this condition with a night guard.
- Teaching yourself to stop chewing on hard objects that weaken your enamel, like pen caps, ice, and fingernails.
Refrain from Accidentally Staining Your Pearly Whites
It’s common knowledge that brushing away food particles every day is a key part of keeping your smile from turning yellow. However, did you know some foods and drinks can stain your teeth much easier than others? If you routinely sip coffee, tea, or dark-colored sodas, eat dark sauces like soy or marinara, or snack on dark berries, curry, or beets, you may find yourself with a discolored set of pearly whites. Be mindful of your munching if you want to protect your bright smile from your daily diet.
Remember That Your Teeth Aren’t Tools
Whether you’re enthusiastic about opening a gift or just excited to get into your favorite bag of chips, many of us have used our teeth as tools. While it may seem convenient now, it might cost you more time in the dentist’s chair later on! Using your teeth to open bottles, containers, and packages wears down the enamel and weakens your them. The more often you practice this bad habit, the more you increase your risk of chipping, cracking, or fracturing your teeth. Instead, slow down, enjoy the moment, and reach for the appropriate tool.
There are plenty of ways you may be accidentally endangering your teeth with your everyday activities and habits. Thankfully, keeping these tips in mind can help keep your smile happy, healthy, and intact for years to come!
About the Author
At American Dental Care in Conway, SC, we firmly believe that the best way to handle oral health issues is to keep them from developing in the first place. At your dental checkup every six months, Dr. Tommy Murph can identify the earliest signs of bad dental habits, alert you to your behaviors, and teach you how to take the best care of your teeth. If you’re concerned about the everyday health of your smile or need help overcoming your bad habits, don’t hesitate to contact him via his website or at (843) 488-4357.