Are Damaging Your Teeth Every Day? Avoid These Things To Save Your Smile

It didn’t take long for us to figure out our teeth were pretty tough. Besides having loose baby teeth, we discovered that we can chew pretty rigorously and bite down into most things and our teeth have stayed intact. There’s a reason Jawbreaker candies and salt-water taffy have stuck around for so long.

Perhaps you were also told that your teeth are harder than steel, iron, and nickel, and that they can resist to 30,000 pounds of compressive force. Teeth are no joke! In fact, they are as impressive as the facts before, but are they as invincible as we think? How much can our teeth actually withstand between daily use, habits, or over a long period time?

Instead of thinking of teeth like one compact structure, they’re actually more like a weaved-basket. When and if your teeth do eventually crack, this micro-weaved structure helps prevent cracks from spreading after an impact.

Harmless habits with long-lasting effects:
Much of the rigor we put our teeth through is rather unsuspecting in nature. Do you regularly do in any of the following?

NAIL BITING

Unfortunately, nail biting ruins more than your pretty manicure. This is one of the most common habits that people have, whether that’s due to stress, boredom, nervousness, or you just don’t want to grab the nail clippers sometimes. Your nails are one of the hardest surfaces on your body, so it’s should come as no surprise that chomping down regularly on your finger nails can actually cause damage.

Nail biting can also result in a number of issues. It can cause cracks, chips or erosion of the front teeth, or even fracture the enamel on your front teeth from excessive chewing. Over time, it can cause your teeth enamel to wear down and increase sensitivity. In more severe cases, constant nail biting can cause TMJ. TMJ is a condition that causes pain, clicking, or popping in the jaw.

ICE CHEWING

Your parents or friends might fuss at you for this one out of sheer annoyance, but casually chewing on ice happens to the best of us! Crunching on ice is satisfying, hydrating, and really bad for your teeth and gums. Ice chewing will crack and chip your teeth, damage tooth enamel, and can cause problems with existing dental work like fillings and crowns. Chewing on ice definitely is not worth damaging your teeth.

If you still want the satisfaction of a crunch, consider switching to baby carrots or apple bites. If ice chewing is a habit you can’t seem to break, then you may want to consider talking to your dentist. Ice cravings can actually be a sign of anemia, also known as an iron deficiency.

EATING STICKY FOODS

Ever eaten caramel and tried brush your teeth afterwards? Chances are that you could still and taste the caramel stuck in your teeth. Sticky and chewy foods attach to and between your teeth for a prolonged period, resulting in bad bacteria feeding on that lingering sugar in your mouth, thus creating cavities. It’s very important not only to brush thoroughly after eating these types of foods, but also to floss and drink lots of water!
Chewing Gum

Based on popular commercials, we’ve been told that chewing gum is recommended by 4 out of 5 dentists, so it’s great for the teeth and the digestion track, right? Wrong.
To start, chewing gum is filled with artificial sweeteners when they are labeled as sugar free. The “safer” sweeteners aren’t any better for your teeth. Artificial sweeteners can do as much damage to the tooth enamel as normal sugar, and under the guise of being healthier, can influence the increased intake of artificial sugars over natural sugar.

Excessive chewing causes wear and tear on the cartilage and surrounding joints in the mouth, causing or aggravating jaw-conditions like TMJ.

Fun Fact: Chewing gum requires eight different facial muscles that put pressure on the nerves in head. This means that chewing gum can also cause intermittent headaches!

If these aren’t enough reasons to hinder you from chewing gum, then we will dispel one final myth. Chewing gum can only give you the feeling of being “minty clean,” when in reality, bad breath is due to tooth decay and sometimes digestive problems. Switching up the foods in your diet can actually improve bad breath, not popping in gum after eating a stinky meal.

BITING

Seeing your infant or toddler bite can be a cause of concern for parents; are they trying to relieve the pain from teething? Do they just want to experience the sensation of biting? Or is it rooted in frustration, anger, confusion, or hunger, using biting as a method to communicate difficult feelings? Children can bite for a number of reasons, and while it can be upsetting and potentially harmful behavior, it is usually a phase outgrown and a behavior redirected.

Should parents be concerned about the effects of biting on their children’s teeth? Well, sure! It’s always important to pay close attention to the state and progression of your child’s teeth. Depending on what the child is biting, it may be detrimental for their teeth and jaw (i.e. if they’re biting extremely hard objects). Talking to your dentist is the best way to determine what biting behavior and habits are too excessive.

Although babies lose their first set of teeth, baby teeth are important for eating talking, and smiling, as well as keeping spaces for the adult teeth to come in. Ensure that your children brush and floss at an appropriate age, and take them in for regular dentist visits to adjust them to oral health upkeep.

Fun fact: did you know that bite-marks aren’t scientifically backed in forensic evidence anymore? There is no reliable methodology to support that human bite marks are unique. We’re don’t recommend using teeth as a murder-weapon or biting other humans in general, but if your toddler is ever erroneously convicted of murder on bite marks, remember this article. On the bright side, your dental records and teeth themselves can still identify you!

HARD FOODS & TEETH AS TOOLS

Cracking into nuts, chewing un-popped kernels, opening beer bottles with your teeth, and gnawing on pen caps; these are all destructive, stress-inducing habits for your teeth.

Just as carrots and apples can be great alternatives to bad hard foods, it’s worth adding that hard, raw foods are actually great for your teeth and gums. Think of it like a dog chewing on a bone to clean their teeth and gums; chewing raw foods does the same for us, removing plaque while also stimulating the jaw and teeth nerves. If we avoided all hard foods, it really wouldn’t be good for our teeth!

Over time, what’s going to happen to my teeth from aggravated chewing and biting?

Depending on what stage you’re in during your life or how your dental care has been, your teeth may have different needs. People with braces know not to bite into apples and to avoid tough meats and hard breads, and people with veneers know to avoid crunching into raw vegetables. Those with dentures have their own set of rules to abide by, just as those with crowns and fillings do too. The best way to know what can happen is to talk to your dentist!

If you’re suffering from a chipped tooth, or know that you’re a chronic chewer or biter, South Charlotte Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help! Make an appointment today to learn more about getting a filling, crown, implant, or to talk about managing habits putting your teeth at risk.

Keep You and Your Teeth Healthy This Holiday Season

‘Tis the season for festive gatherings, holiday dinners, and office parties. It’s also the season for those sugary snacks so many of us love to include in during these weeks leading up to New Year’s resolutions. From cookie exchanges to candy canes, sugar laden treats lurk in every corner! But consider this warning: if you don’t keep up your oral health routine, Baby New Year may just reward you with a new cavity. We here at South Charlotte Dentistry want to help you keep you and your teeth in good spirits this holiday season!

Know More About What You Eat

Hidden carbohydrates and sugars also are to be discovered in holiday breads and dishes. Rolls, sweet potato pie, cranberry sauce, and fruitcakes all contain sugar. Fruits incorporated into desserts bring on additional sugars, as do those lovely jars of jam wrapped in splendid ribbon that your favorite aunt made just for you!

Sugar is the generic name for sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates, found in many of the foods we eat, especially during the holidays. Carbohydrates are a large group of foodstuffs including sugars and starches. Depending on your health situation, you may be monitoring carbs. For the sake of your teeth, keep an eye the number of carbonated beverages, sugar, and hidden sugars you consume, then keep up (and maybe step up) your dental care routine.

Those with braces or orthodontic work should avoid these foods in order to protect their teeth: popcorn, nuts, hard candy, caramel, pretzels, and peanut brittle.

The good news is, these foods are good for your teeth: whole grains, fruits, lean meats, and vegetables.

Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating (from eatright.org):

The holidays are a time to enjoy friends, family and food. And, contrary to popular belief, you can have all three without putting on the extra pounds!

• On average, Americans gain approximately one to two pounds during the holiday season. While this weight gain isn’t dramatic, research shows it tends to stick and accumulate over the years. Luckily, those pounds can be avoided through mindful eating in moderation and a few simple strategies.
• In preparation for a big holiday party or feast, do not skip meals throughout the day as this may result in overeating. It is especially important to have breakfast, as research shows that those who eat this important morning meal tend to consume fewer calories throughout the day. Include lots of fiber in your diet by eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fiber-rich foods are high in volume and will satisfy hunger but are lower in calories.
• Holiday meals tend to be large, buffet-style and include second and third helpings. While one might not eat an entire cake, a common mistake is eating large portions of foods that are perceived as healthy. It’s important to include nutrient-rich foods in your diet, but also remember that these foods have calories as well and should be eaten in moderation. Using this approach at the holiday dinner table will allow you to maintain a healthful eating plan — one that can also include dessert.
• There are many strategies to help you avoid overeating. Using a smaller plate, for instance, allows you to put less food on your plate and encourages proper portion sizes. Also, start by filling your plate with vegetables and salad before going to the entrees and desserts. Eating a salad before your meal can help you eat fewer calories overall. Eat slowly and savor every bite, and before you go back for seconds wait 10 minutes to see if you really are still hungry.
• Finally, after dinner, get some physical activity. This is a great time to go for a walk and catch up with family members or play catch or a game of basketball with the kids.

Those Yuletide beverages can have a high calorie and sugar count as well. While gin, rum, vodka, and whiskey don’t have added sugar, mixers and fruit can add sugar and calories. Wine contains both fructose and glucose (from fermented grapes) and the holiday favorite, eggnog, can pack a calorie punch with its long list of ingredients including cream, sugar, eggs, and milk. For those wondering about their beer with football, there is no sugar in beer! 

Don’t Forget the Basics!

Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

It’s important to brush at least twice a day, ideally after every meal, and floss at least once daily. Adding a Waterpik device to your routine and mouthwash provides additional protection against tooth decay. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world’s most common health problems. They’re especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well. If cavities aren’t treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay.

So, be sure to brush away that banana bread and floss away that fudge!

But why end there?

Just as Santa Claus comes through in the end, you can save your teeth this holiday season by keeping up (and maybe stepping up) your routine! How is your holiday shopping coming along? Want to think outside the box and into the medicine cabinet? Consider some healthy alternatives as stocking stuffers. Items like toothbrushes, floss, Waterpiks, electric toothbrushes, and even gift certificates for cosmetic dental treatments all make thoughtful gifts. At South Charlotte Dentistry, we have a selection of oral health products and cosmetic services that would be great to give.

For even more glamour, look for a gold-plated toothbrush — yes, Virginia, they do exist! And silver ones and bejeweled ones too. Or maybe a simple gold-plated toothbrush cap is more practical. Do you have an animal lover on your gift list? Take a look at whimsical toothbrush holders. Children might like their favorite superhero on a toothbrush. Both manual and electric models feature characters from “Frozen” and “Star Wars” among others.

A traveler in your family might appreciate a selection of travel toothbrushes and other tiny carry-ons. There are electronic toothbrush UV sanitizers and we’ve even seen a sterling silver “baby’s first toothbrush.” If you want to plan way ahead for the new baby in the family, think about a tooth fairy pillow and keepsake book.

Don’t let the holidays throw off your dental routine or your spirit! Brush, shop, celebrate, repeat!

But Remember… It’s Okay If the Cookie Crumbles

When it comes to caring for yourself, we at South Charlotte Dentistry know that holiday stress can really be a drag. While we tend to focus on your oral health, we want to help ensure that you take care of your whole self. Some may find joy in the lights and sounds of the season, while others may loathe the chaos and expense, struggle with trying to be the “perfect” parent/kid/spouse/friend, and wish they could skip the social gatherings altogether. Depression and anxiety can show up in your oral health routine like neglecting basic dental hygiene, avoiding necessary dental care, dry mouth (perhaps as a result of medication), and dental decay caused by poor nutrition.

Here are a few tips for managing holiday stress from the Mayo Clinic:

• When stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.
• Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
• Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
• Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.
• Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.
• Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Instead you might try donating to a charity, giving homemade gifts, or starting a family gift exchange in which people draw names for an individual or two to give gifts.
• Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That’ll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
• Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity. If it’s not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
• Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Try having a health snack before parties so that you don’t go overboard on sweets. Always get plenty of sleep. And get some physical activity!
• Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm. You might take a walk at on a crisp, cool night to look at the stars, listen to soothing music, get a massage, read a book, or take a long shower or bath.
• Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.