What you may be doing that can harm your teeth

Created on March 15, 2022

Many patients know they need to brush, floss, and see the dentist regularly to maintain a healthy smile. But there are other things that patients might be doing that can be causing harm to their teeth and gums. Drs. David Peck, Mahmoud Homsi, Elwira Tyra, and Brian Seo of Taylor Street Dental in Springfield, MA encourage patients to speak to them about their specific dental needs and find out if they are taking proper care of their smiles.

What might be causing harm to the smile?

There are several situations that patients may not realize put them at a higher risk of developing problems within the smile. Below are just a few of things our team may find patients doing incorrectly that can affect the health of the teeth and gums:

• Avoiding home care. Brushing after every meal and flossing at least once a day is critical to keeping the smile healthy. Patients need to be prudent about caring for their teeth every day to reduce the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay.
• Using the wrong dental products. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is the best way to keep decay and disease at bay. Using hard-bristled toothbrushes and brushing too aggressively can do more harm than good, so pay close attention to the pressure you use when caring for your smile.
• Not protecting the smile with mouthguards. If you are a patient who is involved in a high-contact, high-impact sport such as soccer, hockey, or football, you need to be wearing a custom mouthguard when participating to avoid knocked out or chipped teeth from injury to the face or mouth.
• Ice chewing. Chewing on ice or other hard items can cause breakage and chipping of the teeth. It is best to avoid this at all times.
• Bruxism. Conditions like bruxism or TMJ/TMD can significantly increase the risk of a damage smile, as clenching and grinding can wear natural enamel and break teeth and dental restorations due to pressure.
• Irregular visits to the dentist. Many conditions can be treated if caught in the earliest stages, which makes routine dental visits every six months critical to maintaining a healthy smile.

Are you interested in professional dental guidance regarding the care of your smile?

Connect with the team at Taylor Street Dental of Springfield, MA today by calling (413) 781-7645. Drs. Peck, Homsi, Tyra, and Seo at 41 Taylor Street, 4th Floor are here to help new and returning patients with their oral healthcare needs.

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