Tooth enamel is the hardest part of the human body, but that doesn’t mean teeth are indestructible. Far from it! To keep them healthy and problem-free, the team at Neal C. Johnson DMD in Billings MT recommends (strongly!) you avoid the following.
1. Chewing on hard foods
We’re looking at you, unpopped popcorn kernels and hard candy.
2. Chewing on hard things
This includes fingernails, pencils, pen caps, and ice.
3. Grinding your teeth
If you grind your teeth, ask us about an oral appliance.
4. Eating too much sticky food
Gummy candy, dried fruit, and even protein bars can break teeth.
5. Drinking lots of anything besides water
If your teeth are constantly bathed in soda (sugared or diet), juice, coffee, or sports drinks, you are asking for dental issues.
6. Playing sports without a mouthguard
Sports pose a major risk of tooth damage. Most children are required to wear a protective mouthguard on the playing field, but adults tend to be less vigilant. (Custom-fitted mouthguards are more comfortable than the cheap boil-and-bite type.)
7. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
A hard-bristled tooth brush can weaken teeth and cause gums to pull away. We recommend a soft (or extra-soft) toothbrush!
8. Ignoring dry mouth
Saliva is important. It helps to rinse food particles from your mouth as well as neutralize the acids that cause plaque. Constant dry mouth (xerostomia) can lead to tooth decay. Talk to us if you have persistent dry mouth.
9. Using teeth as tools
Take a minute to find a pair of scissors before you tear open a package of lunch meat or pry the lid of a medicine bottle. Use a nutcracker if you are eating unshelled nuts. A quality dental crown can cost over eight hundred dollars!
10. Ignoring bad breath
Bad breath might be a symptom of accelerating tooth decay. Discuss it with us.
11. Ignoring jaw pain
If you suffer from jaw pain or notice a clicking sound, be sure to let us know! These can be signs of a condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
If you’ve already damaged a tooth, come see us at Neal C. Johnson DMD in Billings MT. We offer complete restorative dentistry, and have helped patients throughout Lockwood, Billings Heights, and Laurel. We also offer dental implants, and much, much more. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!
Contact Neal C. Johnson DMD:
406-656-2700
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
176 S 32nd St W Ste 3
Billings, Montana
59102
