Our teeth are kept safe thanks to their outer layers of enamel, a remarkably strong material that can hold up against considerable biting and chewing pressure. Of course, as anyone who has suffered a cavity can attest, our teeth are not invincible. Over time, acids released by certain oral bacteria can erode this protective layer and cause a cavity to form, which can make restorative dental work necessary. It is important to remember that in addition to cavities, the health of your teeth can also be affected by physical trauma. You can reduce your risk for chipping, cracking, or breaking a tooth by keeping up with good oral health habits, and by correcting behaviors that needlessly wear down teeth. Remember that if you need treatment for a dental injury or cavity, our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office can take care of the problem and protect you from potential complications.
Grinding And Clenching Your Jaw Can Hurt Your Enamel
If you grind or clench your jaw throughout the day, you can wear down your enamel. This can lead to changes in the shape of your teeth, which can make you self-conscious about your smile. This can also weaken them, and even put you at risk for a chipped or cracked tooth! By recognizing and correcting this behavior, you can reduce wear and tear on your smile. Stress management can also help with this. Take care to manage your stress levels before bed, and cut back on caffeine and alcohol, in order to reduce nighttime teeth grinding. Nightly teeth grinding can be particularly concerning, and a custom guard may be recommended to keep your smile safe while you rest.
Be Careful About Consuming Acidic Foods And Drinks
Foods and drinks that are more acidic are able to soften tooth enamel. That softening effect can weaken your teeth, make them more vulnerable to decay, and even make it more difficult to prevent teeth stains from being picked up! Just as you should control your intake of sugar, be smart about how many acidic products you consume for your smile’s sake.
Keep Your Smile Healthy To Avoid A Trip To The Dentist’s Office
By taking better care of your teeth on your own, you are less likely to experience a problem that requires you to see your dentist for treatment. Even in the best of times, it is hard to think of a scenario where you might want to suffer a dental problem that demands some kind of professional care. Fortunately, you can control your risks by making smart choices, keeping up with good oral hygiene, and controlling behaviors that might lead to dental damage.
Your Ankeny, IA Dentist Can Help You Take Care Of Dental Damage
At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, we are ready to take care of a person’s smile if they experience dental damage from decay or physical trauma. For more information about our services, call Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230.
