- Skipping the Floss
- Smoking
- Snacking on Sugary Foods
- Clenching Your Teeth
- Ignoring Your Tongue
Prevent Gum Disease by Flossing
Dentists have been begging their patients to floss for decades. Why? Because dentists know, flossing prevents tooth decay and gum disease. While brushing your teeth is crucial to maintaining a healthy smile and gums, brushing alone is not enough for a proper oral hygiene routine. Food particles, plaque, and tartar become trapped in spaces between your teeth that only floss can reach. While you are supposed to floss before brushing, if you believe your toothbrush alone completely cleans your mouth, try flossing after you brush. The evidence of leftover food particles will be apparent.
Smoking Can Cause Oral Cancer
Smokers face a barrage of health warnings for their lungs, their heart, and even cancer. If you smoke and you need one more reason to quit, tobacco use creates the risk for gum disease and oral cancer. If you smoke or use smokeless tobacco, attending regular dental cleanings and checkups in Pella is crucial. Dr. Allen can help you watch for the earliest signs of gum disease and cancer for the best possible prognosis.
Avoid Cavities: Limit Sugary Snacks
Almost everyone is aware that a sugary diet can cause tooth decay. Here is the process: sugar attracts bacteria and combines with saliva to form acid. By softening the enamel of your teeth, the acid makes the tooth vulnerable to cavities. Eating sugary snacks throughout the day increases your risk of tooth decay because your mouth experiences recurring exposure to sugar.
Grinding Your Teeth Hurts Your Jaw
Do you find yourself clenching your jaw or subconsciously grinding your teeth? This is a condition called bruxism. Creating a multitude of health problems, teeth grinding is not limited to harming your oral health. In fact, constant jaw clenching can lead to TMJ disorder, a condition associated with jaw, face, neck, and even back pain. Talk to your Pella dentist about ways to prevent teeth grinding such as nighttime mouthguards.
Clean Your Tongue to Stop Bad Breath
The main cause of bad breath, or halitosis, is bacteria. Preventing bacteria from causing odor requires a thorough daily oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth and flossing are important for removing the food particles which attract bacteria, but don’t forget to clean your tongue. Bacteria deposits on the taste buds on the back of the tongue can create a foul odor. Remember to use a tongue scraper or the bristles of your toothbrush to scrub your tongue’s surface twice a day.
An Invitation for Your Family
Dr. Jeffrey Allen provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Call (641) 628-1121 today to schedule a checkup and cleaning, cosmetic consultation, or second-opinion visit. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella. IA. Please see the map for directions.