Taking care of your teeth involves more than just brushing, flossing, and making your dental checkups. You also need to be mindful of what you eat as some foods can actually harm your teeth either over time or in one fell swoop. Here are some common culprits:
Hard Candies
Chewing on hard candies may seem harmless the first couple of times you do it, but it can actually lead to cracked or chipped teeth if you get too carried away. The hardness of these items can exert significant pressure on your teeth, potentially causing fractures or even dislodging fillings. Hard candies are meant to be sucked on until they’re dissolved, so be sure to eat responsibly.
Popcorn Kernels
Unpopped kernels can lurk in a bowl of popcorn and pose a serious risk to your teeth. Biting down on a kernel unexpectedly can crack a tooth or damage existing dental work. This can easily happen when you eat carelessly, so it helps to be mindful as you chew and to be cautious when you reach the bottom of your container.
Sticky Sweets
Not all tooth damage is done by hard pressure. Sticky foods like caramel and toffee can cling to your teeth long after you’ve finished eating them, prolonging your exposure to sugar thus increasing the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Dried Fruits and Fruit Snacks
Just like with sticky sweets, dried fruits and fruit snacks are also concentrated sources of sugars that stick to your teeth and put you at risk of tooth decay.
Sodas and Sugary Drinks
Regular consumption of sugary sodas and acidic drinks like fruit juices can wreak havoc on your teeth. The combination of sugar and acids attacks tooth enamel, weakening it and making it more susceptible to decay and cavities. Sports drinks also fall under this category, containing high levels of sugar and acids that can erode tooth enamel over time.
Citrus Fruits
While packed with vitamin C, citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are highly acidic. Frequent consumption of acidic foods can erode tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity and a higher likelihood of cavities. These types of citrusy fruits should also be eaten in moderation.
Preventive Measures for Healthy Teeth
Protecting your teeth from damage starts with understanding what can harm them, but you also need to keep up with preventive measures to safeguard your dental health:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.
- Drink Plenty of Water – Water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated. It also stimulates saliva production, which is essential for fending off bacteria that thrive in dry mouths.
- Regular Dental Checkups – Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Early detection of dental issues can prevent them from escalating into more serious problems. The recommendation for dental exams is twice a year.
- Wear a Mouthguard – If you participate in sports or activities where there’s a risk of dental injury, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from impact.
- Choose Teeth-Friendly Snacks – Opt for snacks like cheese, yogurt, or raw vegetables, which can help neutralize acids in your mouth and promote saliva production.
Dental Emergencies: What to Do
Despite your best efforts, dental emergencies can still occur. Here’s what to do in case of a dental emergency:
- Assess the Damage
Carefully examine the broken tooth and determine the extent of the damage along with any noticeable pain or sensitivity that you may need to tell your dentist.
2. Rinse Your Mouth
Rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm water to remove any blood or debris from the broken tooth.
3. Control Any Bleeding
If there’s bleeding from the broken tooth, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth for a few minutes until the bleeding stops.
4. Save Any Tooth Fragments
If possible, locate and save any pieces of the broken tooth. Rinse them gently with water but avoid scrubbing or removing any attached tissue.
5. Seek Temporary Pain Relief
Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage any pain or discomfort. Avoid aspirin as it can irritate the gums.
6. Cover Any Sharp Edges
If the broken tooth has sharp edges that may cut your tongue or cheek, you can cover them with orthodontic wax or sugarless chewing gum to protect soft tissues.
7. Apply a Cold Compress
Use a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and minimize pain on the outside of your mouth or cheek near the broken tooth.
8. Seek Dental Care
Contact your dentist immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. Provide details about the broken tooth and any symptoms you’re experiencing. Some offices may try to get you in same-day.
9. Transport and Preserve
Store any broken tooth fragments in a container of milk or saline solution when bringing it with you to your dental appointment.
10. Follow Expert Dental Advice
Follow your dentist’s advice and instructions carefully. Depending on the severity of the break, treatment options may include bonding, a crown, or other dental procedures to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
In any dental emergency, it’s crucial to contact your dentist as soon as possible for further guidance and treatment. Prompt action can often help preserve your dental health and prevent more serious complications.
Have a Dental Emergency? Trust Smile Brite Dental In Anaheim!
Experience compassionate care and expert dental solutions at Smile Brite Dental in Anaheim. We prioritize emergency care for broken teeth to ensure your comfort and dental health. Trust our team of dedicated and compassionate staff in a warm and welcoming environment when faced with a tooth-related crisis. Give us a call immediately at 714-776-3535 so we can get you in as soon as possible!
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