Over the years, biting and chewing food can start to wear down a person’s teeth. For many people, this wear and tear can be mild enough to go unnoticed, but others can see changes in their tooth shape and size. In addition to potentially affecting your smile, problems with wear and tear can start to weaken your enamel, which may make you more vulnerable to problems that require restorative dental work. At our Maple Grove, MN dentist’s office, we encourage patients to practice good habits in order to prevent dental problems. Smart behaviors at home, along with regular dental exams, can make it easier for you to avoid problems like tooth decay and gum disease!
Acidic Foods And Drinks Can Soften Your Enamel
If you are listing foods and drinks that may pose a risk to your smile, your first instinct may be to talk about products that are high in sugar. While sugar is certainly something to watch out for, you should also be mindful about the effect that acidic foods and beverages can have on your smile. These products can soften enamel, making you vulnerable to wear and tear, accumulated teeth stains, and cavities!
Do You Have A Problem With Teeth Grinding?
You may not realize just how often you unconsciously grind or clench your teeth. This can be especially true for someone who grinds their teeth while they sleep. The more time you spend with this problem out of your control, the more likely you are to experience damages that affect the quality of your smile. You can even experience chips and cracks that require restorative dental work! Stress management can help you deal with this problem, as can cutting back on alcohol and caffeine. For people who struggle with nightly teeth grinding, a custom mouth guard can be beneficial.
Cut Out Any Habit Of Chewing On Hard Surfaces
Idly biting down on an ice cube or a pen cap can seem harmless in the moment, but it can become a problem if you do this on a somewhat frequent basis. These actions can wear down your teeth, and they can also make you more likely to experience a chip or crack that requires care.
Your Maple Grove, MN Dentist Can Help You Maintain A Healthy Smile!
What does it take to maintain a healthy smile? Through good practices at home like brushing, flossing, and minimizing wear and tear, you can stay safe from problems with tooth decay and dental damage. Our Maple Grove, MN dentist’s office provides important preventive services to further help people avoid trouble, and we can offer treatments when you have an issue that should be addressed. To find out more about our practice, please call Elm Creek Dental at 763-416-0606.