9 Habits That Damage Your Teeth

Could your everyday habits be damaging your teeth? We use our teeth every day to eat, but those other things you use teeth for might be causing harm.

Chewing on ice: While ice is sugar and calorie-free, chewing on ice can crack your teeth over time. The pressure that occurs when you bite down on the hard surface of ice irritates the tissue inside the tooth, which leads to toothaches.
Grinding your teeth: Constant teeth grinding or jaw clenching can wear your teeth down over time. Talk to your local dentist about getting fitted for a mouth guard to help prevent teeth grinding at night.

Electric toothbrushes are all over the place these days, but are they worth the extra cash, or is the buzz just hype? Turns out there are pros and cons to switching to electric.
Pros
Easy to use: Electric toothbrushes do most of the work for you, making it easier to brush your teeth effectively.
Better Plaque Removal: Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque from your teeth, keeping you better protected from cavities.

In order to keep your dentures looking and feeling good, it is important to take excellent care of them. Here are some essential dos and don’ts.

Over-brushing, known as “tooth abrasion,” can lead to sensitive teeth and receding gums. Forceful brushing can wear down teeth and harm enamel.

Whether you had a traumatic experience as a kid, are afraid of pain caused by dental work, or fear lack of control in a dentist chair, a dental phobia is not uncommon. It is estimated that 9% to 15% of Americans avoid the dentist because of anxiety and fear. While skipping visits may not seem like a big deal if you brush, floss, and rinse every night, avoiding dental check ups can have serious consequences to your health. You could develop cavities or gum disease in the duration of your dental absence. This can lead to a plethora of bad side effects, including root damage, severe tooth aches, and even tooth loss. Usually the anticipation of a visit or procedure is far worse than the experience its self.  Most patients expect dental discomfort to be worse than what it actually is.
 
At Dental Care Center locations, we will always try to make you feel relaxed and at ease. However, we understand that visiting your dentist isn’t exactly a trip to the spa.

Sore, swollen, or bleeding gums indicate an oral health issue, and in some cases gum disease. There are various causes for gum discomfort and several ways to avoid and treat them.
Gum Disease
Periodontal describes diseases which affect the gums, bone and surrounding structures of the teeth. Periodontal Diseases are among the most common diseases affecting humans. The most common types of periodontal diseases in adults are gingivitis and periodontitis.

Finding the toothbrush that is right for you can be intimidating. One of the greatest choices our patients struggle with is whether they need an electric toothbrush or if they can get by with just an ordinary brush.
What makes a powered toothbrush different?
The greatest difference with most powered toothbrushes is their ability to rotate the bristles while you brush. In several studies, this rotation has been proven to remove more plaque than those of stationary bristles.

If you have a dull, constant headache or sore jaw when you wake up or if your partner/roommate tells you you’re making loud grinding noises in your sleep, you might be
grinding your teeth without even realizing it. However, this sometimes unnoticeable activity could lead to very noticeable issues.

Bruxism
The medical term for grinding your teeth is Bruxism. Because most people with bruxism only grind their teeth in sleep, many people do not realize they have bruxism. If you suspect you grind your teeth at night, talk to your Dental Care Center dentist.

Even if you don’t know much about root canals, you have probably heard enough to hope you never need them. However, about 15 million root canals are performed each year, according to The American Association of Endodontists.
What is a root canal?
Root canals are the natural cavity in the center of a tooth. A root canal procedure is used to repair a tooth that is decayed or infected.

Oh no! You’ve fallen, bumped into something, or bitten down on a hard piece of food. The result? You’ve chipped a tooth. Maybe a huge piece of your front tooth has broken off and your speed dialing one of our dentists for a repair or maybe you have a small tooth fracture that you intend to just live with. Either way a broken or chipped tooth could point to further damage in your mouth than what you may initially see or feel. Therefore your safest option is to go in for an evaluation and X-ray to make sure you are aware of all of the damage and know your options for repair.

Most people want whiter teeth, but are all teeth whitening treatments safe? We review some of the over-the-counter options and in-office treatments for whiter teeth.

If you are one of the almost 30 million people in the US living with diabetes, it’s important you know the facts on how your disease can impact the overall health of your teeth and gums. Did you know that because of your body’s inability to properly fightglucose, you are at an increased risk for a variety of gum problems? In more severe cases, you are also likely to develop gum disease.
Diabetes largely affects your mouth’s ability to fight off plaque and other disease-causing bacteria. Your best bet in preventing gum disease is effective brushing, routine flossing, and regular checkups with your Dental Care Center dentist.

While the occasional soda might be a fun treat with no real long-term effects, if you are a daily drinker of Diet Coke or another preferred soft drink, be warned that the rumors are true: your smile is going to suffer. Not only are sodas acidic and contain artificial preservatives, but they are also packed with sugar. The result is the formation of excess bacteria leading to tooth erosion, and a lot of it.

Finding the toothbrush that is right for you can be intimidating. One of the greatest choices our patients struggle with is whether they need an electric toothbrush or if they can get by with just an ordinary brush.

The greatest difference with most powered toothbrushes is their ability to rotate the bristles while you brush. In several studies, this rotation has been proven to remove more…

When smelly morning breath becomes all day bad breath, it it could be something more than last night’s garlic bread. If you’re experiencing breath with a significantly worsening odor, we recommend visiting the Dental Care Center to investigate the source of your problem. Speak with one of our dentists today about how you can improve your breath to improve your confidence.

If you have lost one or more of your adult teeth, there is no need to worry. The professionals at the Dental Care Center are equipped to help you get your smile and your confidence back as soon as possible.
We encourage you not to wait in making an appointment with us because any space created by a missing tooth can cause a shift in not only the alignment of the rest of your teeth, but your bite as well. In addition to taking X-rays and examining the overall health of your mouth

Why should I floss? A toothbrush can’t reach all of the plaque in between your teeth – that’s where flossing comes in.

Believe it or not there is a right and wrong way to brush your teeth. Here is how to properly brush so you can prevent serious damage to your teeth and gums.

Having a healthy diet can go a long way when it comes to your body and mind, and your dental health is no different. The body is a complex machine and it operates at its best when given the proper amount of nutrients. Here are some of our recommendations when it comes to eating a healthy diet.

By choosing to come in for a routine checkup and an annual screening, one of our dental professional can inspect your mouth thoroughly for any precancerous growths or overall changes to the inside of your mouth.