We hope this post from David Rice DDS in Elgin will alert you to some harmful oral health threats. Too often, we treat tooth decay and damage caused by the following:
- Sports Injuries. Nothing can wreck your smile faster than a knocked-out tooth, and playing sports can really put yours at risk. Even sports we think of as non-contact, like basketball, can get you an accidental elbow to the mouth. We’d never say don’t play; it’s too much fun. But always – repeat, always – wear a mouth guard when you play.
- Ice Chomping. Who isn’t tempted to crunch that ice at the bottom of your cup? There’s no sugar and no calories, so it may seem harmless enough. But biting down on something hard and frozen can chip or crack one or more teeth.
- Too Much Coffee. A lot of people rely on that morning cuppa joe to jump start the day. But coffee is a notorious stainer, and can give your teeth an unsightly brown tint. We’re realistic enough to not recommend giving it up. But try to drink some water afterward to rinse out any residue.
- Sticky Candy. First of all, we’ll never say that any candy is okay, since it’s all loaded with cavity-causing sugar. But the stickier the candy, the worse it is for teeth. That’s because, well, it’s sticky, and stays on your teeth a long time. If there’s such a thing as good candy, it’s chocolate. Yes, chocolate! We mean the kind without nuts or a sticky center. It washes off the teeth quickly and easily. (Pro tip: dark chocolate has less sugar than milk chocolate.)
- Overbrushing. Yes, it is possible to brush your teeth too much. We recommend brushing twice a day. But we recommend a light touch: brushing harder and longer won’t get your teeth any cleaner, and you really can hurt tooth enamel and your gums. Two minutes is enough. Use a soft-bristle brush and replace it every few months.
At David Rice DDS in Elgin we want you to have the best smile possible, and that means doing everything you can to protect it. People from Bartlet, South Elgin, and Wayne come to our practice for general and implant dentistry, and much more. Call us to schedule your next checkup today!
Contact David A. Rice, DDS:
847-741-2353
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1972 Larkin Ave Ste 1
Elgin, Illinois
60123