92% of adults have cavities even though they are preventable. According to a survey by the CDC, this number of people between 20 and 64 have had tooth decay. It seems there is no shortage of ways to damage your teeth. Here are some of the worst things for your teeth.
1. Lollipops and Mints
Mints, lollipops, and sugary cough drops are very bad for your teeth. They are worse than chocolate, which melts fast. Dark chocolate even has benefits. Hard sugary candy has none. It is an endless feast for bacteria in the mouth and gut. The bacteria produce acid, which wrecks enamel. This is the hard cover on the teeth.
2. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is not healthy, no matter what people say. It may be a natural snack, but it is concentrated sugar. It sticks to the teeth grooves. Opt for carrots, apples, or kiwi instead. These have the added benefit of cleaning the tooth surface as you eat.
3. Biting your Nails
If you bite your nails long enough, the edges of your front teeth will get flat. With time, nail-biting will form cracks on the enamel. Eventually, your teeth will get really sensitive. The biting action also stresses your joints. This is because the jaw is not in a natural position when you chew.
4. Teeth Grinding
Grinding or clenching your teeth can cause pain when prolonged. The medical term for this is bruxism. There is extended pressure and friction in the jaw and ears. Stress is the main cause among adults. About 90% of kids grind their teeth at night. It happens less when they transition from baby to permanent teeth. Your dentist in Romeoville can prescribe a splint or guard to wear at night. Plastic is harder to destroy than teeth.
This is not the best of options. Why? A piece of plastic in your mouth can hit your teeth. This happens whenever you fiddle, talk, or eat with it on. With time, gum tissue and the teeth can separate and enamel can crack. Like crystal, your teeth are almost 100% mineral. Pounding a piece of plastic against crystal creates lines, like a crack in a plate.
What comes next? Broken teeth or periodontal disease, or infection. None of these is a pleasant option.
Facial Pain and Tissue Injury
Tears to the cheeks, lips, tongue, or mouth and puncture wounds can be dental emergencies. Has this happened to you? If it happens again, here is what to do.
Clean the area with warm water if you experience any type of tissue injury. If your tongue is bleeding, pull it forward gently and use gauze to place pressure on the wound. Take acetaminophen to alleviate facial pain connected to tissue damage. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen. They can cause bleeding because they are anticoagulants. You shouldn’t apply pain relievers directly to the gum because they might damage the tissue.
Check out the dental services we offer today and get in touch with Carillon Family Dental if you have any questions. We’re here to help!