Be prepared for oral accidents. Because they are accidents, they are not exactly planned or expected to occur, but there are still ways to ensure that your teeth will be better protected to minimize any risks or damage that could come your way. Listed below are some frequently asked questions concerning keeping your teeth safe from harm.
TRUE or FALSE: Chewing on pen caps or pencil erasers can damage your teeth.
– This is true. Chewing on non-edible foods can chip and damage your teeth, cut your gums, and even cause joint damage including TMJ disorders.
Which activities or habits are considered destructive to your oral health?
– If you are doing any type of contact sport or event, always wear the proper safety gear including mouth guards, facemasks, and head gear. Also, avoid opening products with your mouth, and avoid smoking or chewing tobacco, chewing on ice, and biting your nails, as these can all harm your smile.
Are mouth piercings bad for your teeth and gums?
– Yes, mouth piercings can become choking hazards if knocked loose, they can chip and damage teeth, and they can cause serious infections.
Which foods and snacks can damage your teeth?
– Many ingredients in food can increase the rate at which tooth decay and gum disease can occur because bacteria in plaque can convert these particles into acids that can plow through tooth enamel. This includes sugary foods, sour candies with high acidic content, chewy and gummy foods that stick to the teeth and gums, starchy foods, and. Exercise caution with hard foods and candies that can chip and break teeth.
To learn more about bad habits and oral health dangers, contact Dr. Charles W. Hobart II and our team at First Dental of Bluffton by calling us at 843-757-2828. If you would like an oral exam or bi-annual professional cleaning, our dentist office is located in Bluffton, South Carolina. We can get you on the path to smiles for miles!