Do you view your teeth as another tool you can use around your house? Do you think biting down on something hard won’t harm your smile? If you begin to take it for granted, you may quickly learn just how devastating it can be to lose your pearly whites. Excessive wear and tear, chips, cracks, and even broken teeth can leave you feeling embarrassed by your appearance, which is why your dentist in McMinnville wants you to take necessary steps to prevent damage to your smile. Take a few minutes and read about the 4 things you should avoid doing with your teeth so you can go on living your best life with greater oral health.
Avoid Using Teeth as Tools
Scissors, pliers, hammers, drills – all of these are helpful tools that can be used to repair and open things around the house. While these are just a few of the items you can find in a toolbox, one you will not see is teeth. Why? Because your teeth are designed to live inside your mouth and only tear and chew away at food. When ripping open a package or attempting to pop a cap off a bottle, you are putting yourself at risk for a possible dental emergency. Instead, leave it up to the tools. After all, it’s their job.
Don’t Chew on Inanimate Objects
Apart from some of the hard, crunchy foods you should stay away from, make it a point to also avoid chewing on inanimate objects. If you find yourself at your desk and reaching for a pen or pencil, stop yourself immediately. Instead, opt for a piece of sugarless gum and avoid the possible chips or cracks you could put in your smile.
Stay Away from Sugar
Sugar is bacteria’s best friend, which is why you should make it less prominent in your diet. Candy, bread, fruit, and a host of other foods and beverages contain large amounts of sugar. While incorporating some bread and fruit into your daily meal plan is important, it should be in moderation. Too much sugar can lead to an increased risk for cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Instead, opt for sugar-free items to satisfy cravings.
Be Kinder While Brushing
If you believe that hard brushing will result in a cleaner smile, you’ll soon found out that is not the case at all. Your teeth only need gentle pressure to remove harmful bacteria and food particles. If you’re prone to brushing too hard, your dentist may suggest opting for a soft-bristled toothbrush or switching to an electric model. These can help take the work out of brushing, giving your teeth a break from the additional pressure.
If you adhere to the four items mentioned above, you’ll soon see that your teeth are looking and feeling much better. Remember, you only get one natural set, so make sure you take care of them, and they might just stick around for a lifetime.
About the Author
Dr. Natalya Ramsay completed her pre-doctoral studies at Portland State University, earning her bachelor’s degree with honors. She then went on to attend Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry where she earned her degree in general dentistry. As the dentist at Evans Street Dental, she is committed to delivering only the highest quality dental care possible. Offering preventive services to minimize problems in the future, she and her team will provide in-office treatment as well as patient education to help you take better care of your smile at home. To learn more about and the services we provide, visit our website or call (503) 472-1402.