If you’ve ever been to a dentist, or simply sat through grade school health class, you’re probably aware of the most common causes of tooth decay: sugary foods and neglectful oral hygiene practices. However, you may be surprised to learn that these five common things may be negatively affecting your oral health.
Though used to treat the symptoms of a cold, most cough drops contain sugar, which is harmful to teeth whether it’s in medicine or in candy. However, most people don’t think to brush after popping a cough drop or taking cough syrup. That means sugar from these treatments can remain on your teeth for a long period of time. To avoid unnecessarily exposing your teeth to sugar from cough treatments, look for lozenges and liquids that are sugar-free, or be prepared to brush after consuming treatments that contain sugar.
Do you like to fill up a large container with your favorite soda, coffee, tea or other beverage in the morning and sip on it throughout the day? Doing so exposes harmful sugar and acid to your teeth for a long period time, which puts your tooth enamel in serious jeopardy. It also contributes to tooth stains. It’s better to enjoy your favorite beverage at mealtime or over a short period of time, then brush and sip on water for the rest of the day instead of other beverages.
People who spend a lot of time in chemically treated swimming pools may be at risk for damage to their teeth. The problem occurs when the pH of pool water is too high or too low. When this happens, the water becomes corrosive and can damage tooth enamel, causing tooth decay and staining. The optimal pH for pool water is between 7.2 and 7.8. This can easily be tested and monitored by using inexpensive pH strips obtainable wherever pool supplies are sold. If you spend a lot of time in the pool, consider wearing a water-tight mouth guard to protect your teeth.
It’s easy to see why red wine would be bad for your teeth. Its dark color stains just about anything, so it’s no wonder it stains teeth. However, white wine can also damage your teeth. White wine is acidic, just like red wine, which means it can damage your enamel and lead to tooth decay. The tannins in white wine – or any wine - can also lead to tooth stains that penetrate enamel damaged by the acid. So, if you drink any type of wine, be sure to brush after enjoying it.
Piercing any part of your mouth, including tongue, lips and cheeks, can lead to serious oral health problems. The surface of your mouth contains hundreds of types of bacteria. Mouth piercings create an opening in your skin and provide a way for those bacteria to penetrate tissue, resulting in infections and sores. According to the journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases, 70% of people with tongue piercings report complications, ranging from eroded gums, chipped teeth, and more serious systemic infections including hepatitis B and C.Though you might not be aware of every oral health danger out there, you can protect yourself by implementing a regular routine of brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting your dentist for a check-up every six months. Do you have questions about any of the everyday oral health offenders discussed here? Give us a call at Norge Dental Center! Dr. Timothy Johnston is an experienced Williamsburg dentist with a dedicated staff of oral hygiene experts that can help you understand how to maintain a healthy, happy smile.
Halloween is just around the corner, and the celebrations have already begun. From fall festivals and trunk-or-treats to school parties and more, there’s no shortage of ways to show off your amazing costume—and of course, load up on candy! 🎃🍬 For kids, trick-or-treating is the ultimate Halloween thrill, but for parents, all those sweets pose a challenge. Balancing the fun and dental health can be tricky. With a few proactive steps though, it’s totally doable. Here are five simple tips to keep Halloween happy—without letting it get too scary for your teeth.
Read MoreHave you heard? September is National Gum Care Month, which means now is as great a time as any to brush up on your gum care routine. When you think about a healthy smile, you probably think of your teeth. It turns out, however, that your gums are just as important. In this guide, we’ll dive into why gum health matters, how to stay on top of it, and what to do if you have a gum issue.
Read MoreAh, hormones. They don’t really get the best rap, do they? Just the word calls to mind moodiness, acne, postpartum depression, and night sweats. But did you know that hormones also affect your mouth, too? Yep, that’s right—even your teeth aren’t immune from the impact of hormones on your body. Luckily, with a little foresight and extra love, your oral health doesn’t have to suffer just because Aunt Flow came to town. Read on to see how your mouth and your hormones are connected, which hormonal triggers to watch out for, and what to do to keep smiling, no matter your age or stage of life.
Read MoreWhether you’re new to the Williamsburg area, or new to the Norge Dental family… we welcome you to a new dental experience. We are so thankful you are here.
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