By limiting the amount of wear on your teeth, you can better preserve their appearance while also lowering your risk for oral health problems. A degree of wear and tear can be difficult to avoid – after all, we have to rely on our teeth to break down the foods we eat, which can create considerable friction. With that said, there are certain behaviors that can cause more wear and tear to occur, which can lead to problems for your smile and dental health. Our Allen, TX dentist’s office provides important routine dental services during your examinations. If an unusual degree of wear and tear is observed, we can talk to you about the potential problems this creates, and recommend treatment if it is called for.
1. Back Off Of Aggressive Brushing
To make sure your teeth are completely cleaned, do you try to brush with aggressive motions? Doing so may not be as helpful as you think – you do not need considerable force to remove bacteria and plaque. Meanwhile any tartar buildup on your teeth will remain in place despite your efforts, as this substance requires a professional teeth cleaning to properly address. Aggressive brushing creates more friction, which can cause more wear and tear to occur over time.
2. Make Changes That Help You Avoid Teeth Grinding
People who regularly grind their teeth at night can require a special mouth guard to keep them from doing damage to their enamel while they sleep. To make grinding less of an issue, pay attention to your stress levels, particularly when your bedtime approaches. Alcohol and caffeine consumption can also be linked to teeth grinding. If a habit of teeth grinding, known as bruxism, goes on for an extended time without treatment, you may notice damages that call for cosmetic dental work, or even the placement of dental crowns on some teeth.
3. Cut Down On Acidic Foods And Drinks
Is sugar the only thing to avoid if you want to maintain a smile-friendly diet? While watching out for sugar is important, you should be aware that acidic foods and drinks can also create problems for you. The acidity of items you enjoy can weaken your enamel. In addition to weakening teeth, this can make a person more susceptible to cavities and teeth stains.
Your Allen, TX Dentist Can Help You Protect Your Teeth!
At our Allen, TX dentist’s office, patients can rely on us to provide consistent protection for their teeth. One thing we can do is help you deal with the effects of dental wear and tear, while also providing guidance to help you avoid damage to your enamel. If you would like to learn more about our practice, and the services we provide, please call Allen Family Dental in Allen, TX at (469) 342-6644.
