Many people, when they think about dental damage, call to mind dramatic dental emergencies: bike or car crashes, sports accidents, and the like. However, the vast majority of dental damage is actually the result of minor, compounded wear and tear. This type of damage accumulates over time, before becoming unavoidably visible.
Our Santa Monica dentists are here with some simple things that you can do day to day in order to protect your smile from premature and unnecessary damage. Keep reading to learn more.
The first thing we want to consider is how our diets can negatively affect our smiles. Obviously, you want to limit the number of sugary treats and drinks that you consume, as these help harmful oral bacteria to flourish. Additionally, try to minimize the amount of time that acidic substances, like soft drinks and fruit juices, are allows to sit on your enamel. Get into the habit of vigorously rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking, as this can help to minimize the effects of smile-weakening substances.
Next, it’s time to cut out some of those bad habits you’ve developed over time; those habits that put unnecessary pressure on your teeth and weaken your enamel. Don’t, for example, chomp on ice, hard candies, and the like; doing so can create micro-cracks and chips in your teeth, which then become more severe over time. Also, try to use floss rather than metal or wooden toothpicks to clean between your teeth. Toothpicks may lead to enamel and gum tissue damage.
Finally, stay alert for signs of bruxism in your daily (and nightly) life. Bruxism is a conditioned that is characterized by chronic dental grinding and clenching. This subtle condition puts an immense amount of pressure on your teeth, and can lead to bite problems, worn down dental enamel, and tooth fracture. If you find yourself grinding or clenching your teeth, talk to your dentist about protective measures you can take.
Our Santa Monica dentists are here to answer any additional questions that you may have about caring for your smile. Give us a call to learn more!