One thing we can tell you is that healthy dental habits will keep you smiling big all through life. When you make us your partner for oral health, it will be even easier to stay on track in that realm. Keep reading to hear some of our strong suggestions for lifestyle alterations, and then call Dr. Martin and Smiles of Punta Gorda at 941-585-0424 to request your next preventive dentistry appointment in Punta Gorda, FL.
Overcome Tobacco Habits
It is no secret that smoking, and using other tobacco products, is really bad for your body. Such behavior is never good for a smile either. You see, tobacco turns your pearly whites yellow over time, inhibits your sense of taste, and makes your breath smell awful. That’s bad enough, right?
But wait, it gets worse: smokers tend to have larger amounts of plaque and tartar on their teeth.
There is also added risk for gum disease when you smoke. And the advanced stages of gum disease, aka periodontal disease, is often resistant to treatment.
What’s more, tobacco users require more time to heal from extractions and other oral surgical procedures.
Finally, tobacco use increases your likelihood of developing oral cancer. It is the #1 risk factor, in fact. Save your smile and your life by stopping now, or never starting to smoke.
Stop Grinding And Clenching
You may not realize it, but teeth clenching and grinding is bad for a number of reasons. It could wear down your enamel, damage your gums, break your teeth, cause headaches and TMJ-related pain, and impact how your teeth fit together. We know that teeth grinding often happens at night as you sleep, and it’s not easy to correct without professional help. Stress is also at work behind the scenes, so reducing stress factors may help. Beyond that, we can get you smiling big again with one of our custom-built mouthguards. This dental device prevents grinding and keeps your jaw in a position that enables it to relax and heal.
Find An Appropriate Way To Brush
If you are diligent about your oral hygiene, that’s great. Just don’t over-do it. When brushing your teeth, you don’t have to scrub particularly hard to remove all that nasty plaque. In fact, brushing too hard will harm, not help, your teeth in the end. The key to keeping your teeth clean and healthy is to be comprehensive but gentle in your approach. Here’s why: too much force will remove your enamel right along with the plaque and could even injure your gums in the process. All that makes you more susceptible to pain, sensitivity, cavities, and gum recession. So, please use a soft-bristled toothbrush and go at it with a lighter touch.
Don’t Use Teeth As Tools
Human teeth are designed to break down food enough for us to swallow it. That’s basically their purpose. It also helps if they look nice as an ornamental add-on to our overall look. The takeaway is that they are NOT designed to chew on writing utensils, crunch on ice cubes, or trim fingernails. Nor are they a substitute for scissors or other tools if you have a bag to get into or tag to remove, or a bottle to open.
Your teeth are tough, but not indestructible. Using them to chew or pull on hard, non-food objects may land you in our office with a dental emergency.
Call Now For The Dental Care You Deserve
We hope you have been inspired by today’s post. It’s time to stop reading and take action by calling Dr. Martin and Smiles of Punta Gorda today at 941-585-0424 to request your next easy appointment in Punta Gorda, FL. Overcome these habits and practice good oral hygiene to achieve a smile that remains beautiful and healthy at every stage of life, moving forward.