Most people know what they should be doing to maintain their best smiles—brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day and attend regular dental cleanings and exams every six months with Medford dentist Dr. Anthony Giamberardino. But do you know what you should not do for the health and beauty of your smile? Here are a few dental don’ts that can help you keep your teeth in tip-top shape.
- Don’t use a toothbrush with hard bristles. Those firm bristles may feel like they are doing a great job of cleaning your teeth, but they may actually be scratching the enamel surface of your teeth and causing your gums to recede. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles instead.
- Don’t bite your nails. Your fingernails are pretty hard—too hard for your teeth. This nervous habit can eventually wear down teeth and cause chips and cracks. Similarly, your teeth are not meant to chew ice cubes, tear off clothing tags, rip open bags of potato chip or unscrew bottle tops. Medford general dentist Dr. Giamberardino has seen broken teeth from these practices.
- Don’t forget to wear a mouthguard. If you or another member of the family participates in any kind of sports activity, then a mouthguard is a must. Whether during practice or game play, a mouthguard protects your teeth, gums, lips and cheeks from injury due to contact or a fall. Moreover, a mouthguard can even reduce the chances of concussion or lessen the severity if one should happen.
- Don’t grind and clench your teeth. We all have moments of tension when we naturally clench our teeth. Problems begin, however, when those moments become a nighttime or daytime habit. In that case, you need to speak to Dr. Giamberardino about a night guard. This comfortable plastic appliance prevents your teeth from meeting, so abnormal wear and tear cannot occur.
- Don’t nurse a beverage all day. Coffee, tea and soft drinks are all highly acidic. Casually sipping one of these beverages throughout the day bathes your teeth in acid, which can lead to tooth decay or tooth sensitivity. Add sugar to the drink and the effects become even worse.
Call Your Dentist in Medford Today
To learn more about what you can do to maintain your healthy smile, or to schedule a dental cleaning and exam, contact the office of Dr. Giamberardino, the family dentist Medford and surrounding communities trust for all of their dental needs.