Daily Damage to Teeth

Did you know that 25% of all adults in the United States over the age of 65 have lost all of their teeth? Unfortunately, several of our daily routines (eating, drinking, participating in sports, chewing on ice, pens, pencils, etc) have a very negative effect on the health and longevity of our pearly whites.  The Web MD article, “Everyday Habits That Damage Your Teeth,” offers insight about which rituals we should avoid and how to protect our teeth for the long run.

According to author, Georgie Binks, the number one enemy of teeth is sugar, and the longer it’s allowed to inhabit a mouth, the more damage it does.  Sugar feeds the bacteria that are responsible for destroying tooth enamel, allowing cavities and disease to set in.   It is advised to avoid candies and sweets that obviously contain excessive sugar, but dried fruits are just as bad.  Sugary and acidic beverages are also considered offenders in the destruction of teeth.  Soda, juice, and energy drinks are typically very high in sugar, and the sugar-free varieties are just as dangerous due to acidity.  Alcohol should also be limited.  Not only does it erode teeth, but it reduces saliva production.  Saliva aids in removing plaque and bacterial accumulations, therefore dry mouth can cause a build-up of these harmful substances.  Other common risks to teeth include using teeth to remove bottle caps, clothing tags, or open plastic bags.  Smoking or chewing tobacco not only yellow teeth, but are also risk factors for oral cancers.  Playing contact sports without a mouth guard puts you at much higher risk of experiencing a dental emergency.  You can even damage teeth while you sleep.  As many as 8% of Americans have reported that they grind or clench their teeth at night, causing damage to jaws and teeth alike.  Even though enamel is the strongest substance in the human body, it doesn’t take much to damage or destroy it.

Although there are several means by which one can damage or ruin their teeth, thanks to advances in cosmetic dentistry, there are many options to repair your once-perfect smile.  Maybe you’ve enjoyed one too many glasses of red wine or coffee and are now unhappy with the unpleasant shade of gray your teeth appear to be.  At Miami Dental Sedation Spa, Dr. Sanchez and Dr. Vidal offer a variety of whitening treatments, from take-home bleaching to the acclaimed Zoom whitening procedure.  Perhaps you’ve chipped a tooth playing basketball or loosening the cap of your bottled water.  You don’t have to live with that embarrassing grin any longer.  With state-of-the-art technology, the professionals at our office can repair or replace your tooth, virtually pain-free.  It’s always best to prevent damage in the first place, but we know that isn’t always practical or realistic.  Everyone deserves a smile they can feel proud of, and Miami Dental Sedation Spa is in the business of helping people achieve just that.