At Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo, we want all our patients to protect their teeth. Accidents will always happen, of course, but some common-sense rules will go a long way toward protecting your smile!
Avoid the following:
1. Chewing on hard foods
We’re looking at you Bone-in ribs and hard candy.
2. Chewing on hard objects
This includes fingernails, pencils, pen caps, and ice.
3. Grinding your teeth
If you grind your teeth, counsel with your dentist. An appliance can protect your smile.
4. Eating too much sticky food
Gummy candy, dried fruit, and even protein bars can crack teeth.
5. Drinking anything besides water frequently
If your teeth are bathed in soda (sugared or diet), juice, coffee, or sports drinks consistently, you are asking for dental issues.
6. Playing sports without a mouthguard
Sports pose a major risk of tooth damage. Most little ones are required to wear a protective mouthguard on the playing field. But fewer adults wear mouthguards for recreational activities like mountain biking and skiing. Stock types are ready-made and rarely fit well. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist are more comfortable than the cheap boil-and-bite type.
7. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
A hard-bristled tooth brush can weaken teeth and cause gums to pull away. Remove food bits and plaque with a soft (or extra-soft) toothbrush.
8. Ignoring dry mouth
Saliva is important. Saliva rinses food fragments off of teeth and helps neutralize acids. It also helps clean the teeth of leftover food bits, helping to prevent plaque buildup. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, can lead to tooth decay. Talk to your dentist if you have dry mouth frequently.
9. Using teeth as tools
Take a minute to find a pair of scissors before you tear open a package of lunch meat or pry the lid of a medicine bottle. Use a nutcracker if you are eating unshelled nuts. A quality dental crown can cost over eight hundred dollars.
10. Ignoring bad breath
Bad breath is often linked to bacteria build-up in the mouth. It might be a symptom of accelerating tooth decay. Discuss it with us
11. Ignoring jaw pain
If you experience frequent jaw pain or notice a clicking sound, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away! These symptoms can be signs of a serious condition called temporomandibular disorder or TMD.
Have you already broken or chipped a tooth? We can repair it at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!
Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:
801-374-0070
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604
