You can have a great dental hygiene routine & never miss a dental checkup & still be putting your teeth at risk for wear. Worn teeth are weaker & less able to resist the problems that cause toothaches & other kinds of urgent dental visits. Here are a few ways you can keep your teeth strong in addition to brushing, flossing & visiting us regularly!
Don’t Chew on Things You Shouldn’t
This may sound like the kind of advice that we would give to a child, but it applies to patients of all ages! If the backs of your pens & pencils are dappled with bite marks & your fingernails are ragged stubs, it’s time to make a change. While plastic, wood or fingernails may not feel hard enough to damage teeth, chewing on these materials a lot can wear down your tooth enamel & lead to toothaches. Chewing on ice is also a big no-no. Some people say the act of chewing helps them think. If that’s the case, we suggest opting for a sugar-free gum instead.
If You’ve Been Told You Need a Nightguard, Wear It!
Bruxism is a fancy dentist’s word for grinding or clenching your teeth. Many people clench or grind their teeth & don’t even know it, especially those who grind at night while they’re asleep. Considering the average human can exert about 160 pounds of force when they bite down, it’s easy to see how subjecting your teeth to this kind of relentless pressure can cause problems. Bruxism can cause toothaches, but also less obvious symptoms such as tooth sensitivity & worn tooth enamel, which makes your teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay, cracks, & chips. The dentist can check for signs of bruxism by examining your teeth & the muscles of your jaw. If you’ve been diagnosed with bruxism & have a nightguard, please wear it & prevent future problems!
Avoid Acidic Foods
Acid is a major enemy if you want strong teeth: it can eat through your teeth’s strong enamel, exposing the softer insides of your teeth & creating bigger cavities for bacteria to hide & grow in. If you’re continually bathing your teeth in acid because of what you eat & drink you may be setting yourself up for cavities & toothaches. Most people know that citrus fruits like lemons & oranges (and their juices) are highly acidic, but there are some other, sneakier foods that are also highly acidic, such as wine, soda (especially diet), pickles, cranberries & tomatoes. If you’re prone to decay, tooth sensitivity, or we’ve told you that you have weak enamel, we suggest minimizing these foods or brushing well after eating them.
