Even if you have a good oral care routine in place, other habits can interfere with your efforts to protect your smile. If you regularly smoke or use chewing tobacco, you can make smile care more difficult. One concern is about the appearance of your teeth, as these products are able to leave enamel stains that hurt your appearance. In addition to staining your teeth, tobacco can make you more vulnerable to periodontal problems. There is also an increased risk for more serious health issues that you have to worry about. In addition to providing routine preventive dental services, your Ankeny, IA dentist can help you recognize aspects of your daily life that might be hurting your ability to protect your smile.
Your Habits Can Interfere With Your Efforts To Protect Your Smile
What we eat and drink can affect our teeth in several ways. When a person has a low-nutrient diet that is rich in sugar, they can have a harder time preventing cavities from forming. They can also find it difficult to avoid problems if they tend to consume acidic foods and beverages that weaken their teeth. Tobacco use can be particularly difficult, as it can cause stains in your teeth, it can make you vulnerable to gum disease, and it can cause dry mouth symptoms. Dry mouth is an issue for your oral health because the lack of saliva flow makes it harder for you to naturally fight cavities.
Tobacco Can Lead To Periodontal Health Issues
People who use tobacco products can be more vulnerable to periodontal problems over time. You can determine if you are currently experiencing gingivitis by checking for problems like periodontal discoloration or swelling; bleeding from your gums; or even problems with gum line recession. If gum disease is not managed, the condition can worsen, becoming harder to manage as it causes more damage to the tissues that support your teeth. One issue linked to advanced gum disease is tooth loss, something you should certainly aim to avoid!
Good Habits Can Help You Sustain A Healthy And Attractive Smile
Just as bad habits like tobacco use and poor dieting can hurt your smile, smart habits can be beneficial for your oral health. Changing your behaviors can help you avoid cavity treatments that result in the placement of dental fillings or dental crowns, and it can help you maintain healthier gums. Focus on sustaining a thorough brushing and flossing routine, keeping your diet healthy and low in sugar, and staying consistent with regular dental checkups in order to stay protected against oral health threats.
Your Ankeny, IA Dentist Can Help You Protect Your Smile
At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, patients who are worried about their dental well-being can count on consistent preventive care! We are proud to offer all-ages care to people in and around the community in addition to services to address oral health troubles. If you wish to learn more, call Dental Impressions at Ankeny, IA at (515) 965-0230.
