Your smile is one of your biggest assets, so you want to keep it sparkling. Visiting your dentist in Itasca will go a long way to keeping your gums and teeth healthy. In between visits, though, you may be sabotaging your dentist’s efforts. Here are some things that can ruin your bright smile:
Aging: Gray hair isn’t the only side effect of aging; your teeth get older too! Even if you brush and floss every day, your teeth can become dull, and can crack and chip. Getting enough calcium will help, and you may need implants, crowns or other dental work to keep your smile bright.
Pregnancy: Thanks to hormonal changes, inflammation can occur and gum disease is the result. Studies have linked gum disease to low birth weight and premature babies.
Dieting: If you’re cutting down on the number of calories you take in every day, you could be depriving your body (and your teeth) of essential nutrients.
Sugar: Soda, candy, chocolate and even sports drinks have incredible amounts of sugar and can cause tooth decay and gum disease over time. If you must have sugar, try to cut down, and brush after each sugary treat.
Dry mouth: Saliva helps wash away bacteria and neutralizes acids that build up. Having a dry mouth can cause tooth decay and even gum disease.
Teeth grinding: Do you grind your teeth at night, or when you’re stressed? You could be harming your teeth. Over time, they will can crack or chip, ruining your beautiful smile.
Citrus foods: Grapefruit, oranges, lemons and limes are full of nutrients; but they can be very bad for your teeth, eroding the enamel. Be careful when eating these foods and brush immediately after.
Talk to your dentist in Itasca about what foods are best for your teeth and how you can protect your smile for years to come. Visit us at www.elkgrovevillageildentist.com for more details.
