There is more to taking care of your teeth than brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist twice a year. You need to take care of your teeth in other ways too. You should eat the right foods such as fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. You should avoid the wrong foods such as hard candies; sugary, acidic sodas; and pretty much anything with processed sugars like cookies and cakes. You should also avoid putting things in your mouth that can damage your teeth. Taking care of your teeth in all ways is important.
What Not to Do
There are several things that can harm your teeth, especially if they become habits. Such things include:
Chewing ice: Most everyone chews ice at one time or another, sometimes without even realizing it. After finishing a drink many people chew on the ice cubes that remain. If you chomp down the wrong way you can easily crack or break a tooth. If you chew ice habitually it can lead to chronic toothaches and worn teeth.
Chewing on pens and pencils: People can also chew on pen caps and the ends of pencils without even being aware of it. Chewing anything hard that is not food can lead to breaks, chips, cracks, and tooth wear.
Biting your nails: Biting your nails not only puts unnatural stress on your front teeth, biting wrong can lead to breakage. Chronic nail biting can cause uneven wear and over the years your teeth can begin to look too short. This can be treated with dental bonding or veneers.
Bruxing: Bruxing is when you grind and clench your teeth. You may or may not know you’re doing it especially if you brux while sleeping. Chronic bruxing can lead to broken, fractured or worn teeth.
About Dr. Jeffrey Allen
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.