Tooth enamel is the hardest part of the human body, but that doesn’t mean teeth are indestructable. Far from it! To keep them healthy and problem-free, the team at Shwarts Family Dentistry in Richardson recommends (strongly!) you avoid the following.
1. Chewing on hard foods
We’re looking at you, unpopped popcorn kernels and hard candy.
2. Chewing on hard things
This includes fingernails, pencils, pen caps, and ice.
3. Grinding your teeth
If you grind your teeth, ask us about an oral appliance.
4. Eating too much sticky food
Gummy candy, dried fruit, and even protein bars can break teeth.
5. Drinking lots of anything besides water
If your teeth are constantly bathed in soda (sugared or diet), juice, coffee, or sports drinks, you are asking for dental issues.
6. Playing sports without a mouthguard
Sports pose a major risk of tooth damage. Most children are required to wear a protective mouthguard on the playing field, but adults tend to be less vigilant. (Custom-fitted mouthguards are more comfortable than the cheap boil-and-bite type.)
7. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
A hard-bristled tooth brush can weaken teeth and cause gums to pull away. We recommend a soft (or extra-soft) toothbrush!
8. Ignoring dry mouth
Saliva is important. It helps to rinse food particles from your mouth as well as neutralize the acids that cause plaque. Constant dry mouth (xerostomia) can lead to tooth decay. Talk to us if you have persistent dry mouth.
9. Using teeth as tools
Take a minute to find a pair of scissors before you tear open a package of lunch meat or pry the lid of a medicine bottle. Use a nutcracker if you are eating unshelled nuts. A quality dental crown can cost over eight hundred dollars!
10. Ignoring bad breath
Bad breath might be a symptom of accelerating tooth decay. Discuss it with us.
11. Ignoring jaw pain
If you suffer from jaw pain or notice a clicking sound, be sure to let us know! These can be signs of a condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
If you’ve already damaged a tooth, come see us at Shwarts Family Dentistry in Richardson. We offer complete restorative dentistry, and have helped patients throughout Richardson, Plano, and Prestonwood. We also improve smiles with cosmetic dentistry. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!
About the Practice
Dr. Ellis Shwarts and his skilled team have proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in the Richardson, TX community for several years! A Dallas native, Dr. Shwarts received his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and has spent countless hours educating himself and honing his skills so that he can provide a truly unmatched level of care. The practice offers a comprehensive range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule your next visit, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for further assistance: (972) 525-9283.