Five Simple Ways to Ruin a Smile

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Neglecting Oral Hygiene

While your teeth are the hardest substance of your body, they are not indestructible. Ignoring your teeth and gums by not attending to daily toothbrushing and flossing is a bad idea—and a quick path to bacteria build up! Before you know it, you’ll soon get cavities or even lose a tooth!

Acids and Stains

Once pretty pearlies can become ugly yellow nasties if you drink too many sodas, energy drinks, red wine, coffee, and tea. All of these things not only contain such things that stain the teeth, but they are very acidic. Acids erode your protective tooth enamel that shields the dentin from bacteria. Once again, if you don’t wash that stuff off quickly it will lead to cavities and decay.

Smoking and Tobacco Use

Another anathema to a bright white tooth is the smoker and tobacco user. Whether puffing or chewing, it makes no difference to the white canvas on which you are painting a sickly yellow sludge. Cut out the tobacco habit if you don’t want yellow to become your signature color.

Using Your Teeth as Tools

Do we even need to say how damaging this can be? How can anyone be so dumb as to use their teeth as tools—especially when there are real tools readily available to use? If you are ripping open potato chip bags, or (heaven forefend!) opening bottle tops with your teeth! Stop immediately and go sit in the corner with your face to the wall!

Missing Regular Dental Checkups

Even if you are taking pretty good care of your teeth at home, neglecting the dentist by missing your bi-annual checkups and professional cleanings is a recipe for disaster. You simply cannot get your teeth and gums as clean by yourself, and the fluoride treatments given can further protect your teeth until your next visit. Plus, catching a serious issue early can save you money and hassle down the road.

If you’d like more education about your dental health, call our helpful team at Louisiana Dental Center. Phone: 504-287-4467, or come by our office in Kenner, Louisiana.