Protecting Your Teeth Against Unnecessary Forms Of Damage
No matter how vigilantly you brush and floss, most people are bound to end up with a cavity or some other form of tooth decay from time to time. To a certain degree, this is simply inevitable. Yet other common forms of tooth damage can be easily avoided, simply by altering bad habits and practicing smart ones. If you would like to learn more about how to prolong and protect your teeth, read on. This article will discuss four ways to get the most from your pearly whites.
Stop chewing ice.
Ice chewing is a common habit that can wreak havoc on your teeth, yet many people continue to crunch away on the ice at the bottom of their cup. This is often the result of a simple ignorance as to the damage that ice chewing can cause. You see, an especially dense piece of ice can easily cause chips or cracks to form on the surface of your tooth enamel. In an even worse case scenario, you could end up with a shocked nerve. This serious--and seriously painful--condition might require a root canal in order to treat.
Wear a mouth guard when playing sports.
Injury is an ever present threat in the sports world, affecting both professionals and amateurs alike. While it is common practice to practice protective measures for the sake of bones and muscles, not as many athletes stop to think about protecting their teeth--often with disastrous results. All it takes is a single collision to end up with one or more chipped, broken, or altogether missing teeth. Thus it is wise to invest in some sporting mouth guards.
Think twice about that mouth piercing.
Mouth piercings have become increasingly popular in recent decades, with more and more young people opting to piece lips, tongues and even gums. Unfortunately, such piercings can end up causing serious trouble for your teeth. For one thing, you at risk of chipping a tooth if you accidentally bite down on a hard metal piercing. For another, the constant abrasion can easily wear down your enamel, making it much easier for decay to set in.
Opt for sugar-free cough drops.
By now it is fairly common knowledge that sugar is one of the most prime culprits in tooth decay. Thus more and more people are steering clear of candy and sweets. Yet cough drops--many of which are chock full of sugar--continue to fly under the radar, thanks to the fact that they are generally considered "medicinal" supplements. Do your teeth a favor the next time you're at the drug store and select a sugar-free variety of lozenges instead.
Share