Cosmetic Dentistry

All of us sometimes use our teeth for something other than chewing food, but we

probably didn’t realize that some of these habits can actually be harmful to the teeth.

Chewing on Ice – If may seem harmless, but chewing on ice can chip or crack your

teeth and irritate the soft tissue inside a tooth and the gums. It may also create

sensitivity to hot and cold foods.

 

Tongue and Lip Piercing – Piercings in and around the mouth raise the risk of

infection from bacteria in the mouth and biting down on a metal stud can crack a tooth.

Grinding Teeth – A lot of us do this and don’t even realize we’re doing it. If you wake

up with a headache or sore jaw, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep from too

much stress. Grinding causes teeth to wear down over time and can result in fracturing,

loosening, or loss of teeth. If this is you, see your dentist about getting a mouth guard to

protect your teeth at night.

 

Soda or Pop – Whatever you call it, the sugar or artificial sweeteners, and chemicals in

these beverages are not friendly to your teeth. Soda can have up to 11 teaspoons of

sugar per serving and contains phosphoric and citric acids which eat away at tooth

enamel. Diet drinks with artificial sweeteners are equally as harmful.

Using Your Teeth as Scissors or Bottle Openers – Opening bottle caps and plastic

packaging may be convenient, but it’s not good for your teeth. The problem is that you

can never find a bottle opener or scissors when you need them. Select an area in your

kitchen or other areas where you open packages or bottles, and stash scissors and

bottle openers there. Remember to put them back when you’re done, so you can find

them next time.

 

Protect your teeth with good dental habits and use them only for eating food.