What do you need to do to prevent wear and tear on your teeth? Some degree of wear is natural – after all, your teeth have a tough job. Biting and chewing will create friction, and your teeth have to withstand considerable pressure when you bite down. While some measure of wear and tear might be unavoidable, what you should not see is an advanced degree of wear and tear, particularly if you are younger. Patients can unknowingly engage in actions that damage their teeth. If you tend to chew on ice or pen caps while distracted, you could be doing more harm than you realize. If you suffer from bruxism, your habitual teeth grinding can also be harmful. You might not realize it, but you could be causing an excess of wear and tear by brushing your teeth with too much force.
Are Your Brushing Habits Causing Problems For Your Teeth?
If you brush too aggressively, you can wear down your enamel, and leave your teeth more vulnerable to decay. Look for a brush with soft bristles, and avoid any aggressive scrubbing. Your brush is capable of removing plaque and food debris without much force. If you have tartar, even hard brushing will not remove it – you will need to undergo a professional dental cleaning for that. In addition to creating harmful wear and tear, aggressive brushing can negatively affect your gums.
Stop A Teeth Grinding Problem Before You Do Serious Damage To Your Smile
If you have a tendency to grind your teeth during the night, your dentist can help you stop the problem from seriously affecting your smile. A custom oral appliance can be made for you to wear while you sleep, to prevent an unconscious grinding habit from damaging your smile.
Talk To Allen Family Dental About Addressing Issues With Dental Wear And Tear
At Allen Family Dental, patients who want to protect their teeth can enjoy protection from many different issues. In addition to helping you avoid common issues with tooth decay and gum disease, your dentist can identify issues like excessive wear and tear on your enamel, and help you avoid trouble caused by this problem. To arrange a consultation with Dr. Torrens-Parker or Dr. Lizardi, call Allen Family Dental in Allen, TX, today at (469) 342-6644. Located in Allen, we also welcome patients from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Fairview, and all surrounding communities.