There is nothing quite like a healthy, vibrant smile. And we all do a pretty good job of taking care of our smiles. But there are little things we all do that can actually cause harm to our teeth. Here are 3 things you might do that can be bad for your smile.
Chewing ice – Lots of people munch on ice during the day as a calorie-free alternative to sugary snack foods, or to cool off when it’s hot out. But ice can actually cause your teeth to chip or crack. Ice has an extremely strong, rigid molecular structure that can withstand a lot of pressure. The kind of forceful bite necessary to break it up can hurt gums, and its cold temperature can aggravate tooth sensitivity. Try chewing some sugarless gum, instead.
Opening things with your teeth – It can satisfy a deep, primal urge to rip open a mustard packet or an envelope with just your teeth, but human teeth aren’t really made for that kind of activity. They can chip or crack, which necessitates treatment so painful abscesses don’t form. Scissors are much more practical.
Cough drops – You might not think about it, but many cough drops are just as sugary as any hard candy. When you suck on a cough drop (or candy) sugar gets trapped in the sticky plaque on your teeth, where it gets turned into acid. This acid attacks tooth enamel and causes cavities. Continue to treat your cough, but if you use a sugary cough drop, brush thoroughly afterward. You don’t want a cavity with your cough.
Good dental habits are an important element of overall dental health. Our goal at Esperanza A. Rodriguez, DDS is to provide the Bronx, New York, area with the best dental care possible. Call Dr Esperanza A. Rodriguez today for your appointment.