Smoking or Vaping
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health. It affects many parts of your body negatively and your mouth is no exception. Smoking is especially bad for your teeth because it can increase the level of bacteria present in your mouth, plus increase your chance of tooth decay and gum disease. Smoking causes your teeth to yellow and stain, not to mention cause halitosis. There is also a link between oral cancer and smoking.
In recent years vaping has gained popularity. As more people have taken to this new method of consuming nicotine, more studies have been done to understand the impact of vaping. Overall, these studies conclude that vaping can cause excess bacteria and gum inflammation; some may cause dry mouth and overall irritation. Vaping aerosols have been linked to DNA damage responsible for tooth decay, tooth loss, periodontal diseases, and bone loss. Vaping, like smoking, poses serious health threats. Any cosmetic dentist Plano TX will tell you either one is awful for your smile.
Teeth Grinding And Other Mechanical Problems
By grinding your teeth, you destroy the enamel protecting them. This loss of the tooth’s natural shield against the outside world can result in tooth decay which can negatively impact your smile.
Chewing things other than food also leads to enamel loss and, ultimately, tooth decay. Often, we do these things without even realizing we are doing so, such as biting our nails or nibbling on a pen’s cap. Far from being harmless, over time, these activities can lead to broken-down enamel. Chewing ice also deserves mention since it commonly creates minor fractures on your teeth.
Other mechanical damage can come from brushing your teeth with the wrong toothbrush or doing so too hard. This leads to enamel erosion and gum irritation, and inflammation, which can result in a receding gum line. A receding gum line is not the most flattering on a smile and can lead to further complications.
Sucking your thumb as a child or constantly having other things in your mouth such as pacifiers can be very detrimental to your smile. By having foreign objects in your mouth, you may be pushing teeth out and deforming your natural smile.
Last on the mechanical issues list is using your teeth to open things or as a tool in general. Your teeth were meant to chew food, when you try to use it in any other way, you put your smile in jeopardy.
Too Much Sugar
Everyone knows that too much sugar can be the downfall of teeth, especially when it comes from sticky and chewy candy as it is more difficult to clean. Proper hygiene can prevent a lot of this damage but limiting your sugar intake is crucial to protecting your teeth.
Call Today For an Appointment With Dr. David H. Wilhite
When you need only the greatest cosmetic dentist Plano, TX has to offer, you can trust that Dr. David H. Wilhite is the go-to.
With his expertise and master craftsmanship, you will be provided with only the absolute best dental treatment you can’t find anywhere else.
Contact us at 972-964-3774 or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment.