The enamel on your teeth is a hard, protective surface, but it isn’t indestructable. At Kenneth Hovdeen DDS in Daly City we strongly recommend avoiding the following, in order to keep yours healthy.
1. Chewing on hard foods
This includes things such as beef jerky and hard candy.
2. Chewing on hard objects
This includes fingernails, pencils, pen caps, and ice.
3. Grinding your teeth
If you grind your teeth, talk to us. An appliance can protect your smile.
4. Eating too much sticky food
Gummy candy, dried fruit, and even protein bars can chip teeth.
5. Drinking anything besides water frequently
If your teeth are bathed in soda (sugared or diet), juice, coffee, or sports drinks constantly, you are asking for dental issues.
6. Playing sports without a mouthguard
Sports pose a major risk of tooth damage. Most kids are required to wear a protective mouthguard on the playing field, but adults don’t always follow suit. Ask us for a recommendation.
7. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
A hard-bristled tooth brush can weaken teeth and cause gums to pull away. Remove food bits and plaque with a soft (or extra-soft) toothbrush.
8. Ignoring dry mouth
Saliva helps to rinse food particles from your mouth as well as neutralize the acids that cause plaque. Constant dry mouth can lead to tooth decay. Talk to us if you have persistent dry mouth.
9. Using teeth as tools
Using your teeth to open packages of any kind can lead to damage, as surely as playing sports without a mouthguard.
10. Ignoring bad breath
Bad breath is often associated with bacteria build-up in the mouth. It might be a symptom of accelerating cavities. Discuss it with your dentist. (Don’t be embarrassed. We treat bad breath all the time.)
11. Ignoring jaw pain
If you suffer from jaw pain or notice a clicking sound, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away! These symptoms can be signs of a serious condition called temporomandibular disorder or TMD.
Is it too late? Have you already broken or chipped a tooth? We can repair it at Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City. People from San Mateo, Pacifica, and Half Moon Bay come to our office for restorative dentistry, and special services like dental implants. Please call our office to schedule an appointment today!
Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:
650-755-6000
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015
