Thanks for coming back to read the second half of our series on things that can hurt your smile! We wouldn’t want you to miss out on knowing about these last 5 things we’ll talk about today that can put your smile at risk. (Make sure you read the first 4 things, too!)
Tobacco
If there’s one big offender to your teeth and your mouth, it’s tobacco. No matter the form—cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes, cigars—it’s an easy way to really hurt your smile!
The chemicals in tobacco can stain and discolor your teeth and your gums, but the bigger problem is the longer-term, more serious damage they can cause to your teeth, gums, and mouth. After enough exposure, tobacco can cause gum disease, tooth infections, and tooth decay. It can also cause oral and throat cancer. Talk about an expensive habit, aside from the cost of your cigarettes!
If you’re having trouble quitting, come in today to ask us how we can help you. It’s very important if you use tobacco to take care of your teeth and get regular preventative cleanings from your New Albany dentist.
Alcohol
Excessive use of alcohol is another way to damage your smile. One reason is because of the sugar, which contributes to gum disease and cavities. Another is from the acid, which, like soda and sugar, can eat away at your teeth. Not only that, but it and tobacco make your mouth dry, which means your mouth is more susceptible to decay and disease.
Cutting back on your alcohol intake can help decrease your chances of dental problems and also other problems in your body. Make sure you practice good oral hygiene after you drink, too.
Home Whitening Treatments
Have you ever tried home teeth whitening treatments only to discover that your teeth become sensitive and your gums get irritated? This is common with some home treatments that contain certain chemicals, which destroy your enamel and can lead to tooth decay!
Don’t exchange whiter teeth for damaged teeth! If you want your teeth to be shades whiter, your New Albany Dentist offers safe whitening treatments overseen by Dr. Receveur.
Bad Oral Hygiene
There’s a reason dentists and the American Dental Association recommend bushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day. That’s because it helps remove the plaque and bacteria from your teeth, in between your teeth, and on your tongue. It’s bacteria buildup that contributes to gum disease, decay, and infection, and even ultimately decayed and missing teeth.
Don’t ruin your smile with bad hygiene! Remember to brush and floss regularly and go to your dentist twice a year for cleanings and oral disease prevention.
And as strange as it sounds, be cautious with mouthwashes! You might be thinking that swishing them around your mouth for a few seconds a day is helping keep your breath fresh and your teeth clean, but some can contribute to dry mouth. Ask our staff or your New Albany dentist if you need a fluoride-containing mouthwash that can actually help prevent cavities.
Sports Injuries
Accidents related to sports can damage your smile temporarily or permanently. Make sure you practice safety, protect your mouth, and wear a mouthguard or helmet to keep your smile in tact! If you do suffer any dental damage from sports, call us right away and request an emergency appointment.
You Only Have One Set of Teeth
Although your New Albany dentist can repair or improve a lot of things when it comes to your smile, we want you to remember that you have only one set of natural, permanent teeth, and we want to help you take care of them to keep them for life!
Contact us today for an appointment to make sure your teeth are healthy and to ask us if there’s more you can do to make them shine.