Cosmetic Dentist in Mt. Kisco, NY discusses 20 Things That Can Ruin Your Smile
Part 1
Your smile is one of your best assets, so, of course, you want to keep it healthy and sparkling. But even if you brush, use white strips, and visit your dentist twice a year, it may not be enough. Here are a few things that can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, and put a serious damper on your smile.
< >
Sports drinks
In the last decade, sports beverages have become increasingly popular, but they aren’t great for your teeth. Scientific research has found that the pH levels in many sports drinks could lead to tooth erosion due to their high concentration of acidic components. This could eventually wear away at the tooth’s enamel.
Additionally, these drinks are often high in sugars that act as “food” for acid-producing bacteria, which then sneak into the cracks and crevices in your teeth, causing cavities and tooth decay.
Bottled water
Tap water often contains fluoride—about 60% of people in the U.S. have fluoride in their water supply. However, most bottled waters contain less fluoride than recommended for good oral health (it will be listed as an ingredient on the label if it is an additive).
Fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization. This process aids in repairing early decay before damage is even visible. Studies have confirmed that the most effective source of fluoride is water fluoridation. You should also use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, and have regular professional fluoride treatments by your dentist when you have your dental hygiene visits. All of these things greatly contribute to the remineralization process.
Diabetes
Diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, so you’re at a risk for gum disease. Brushing, flossing, and monitoring your blood sugar can help. Diabetes is directly related to periodontal disease. People with periodontal disease may not be able to regulate blood sugar properly, so seeing the dentist and having your triglycerides and cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis is also crucial.
Research has shown that diabetics can reduce the amount of insulin they need to take by maintaining good gum health.
Wine
Wine drinkers beware: Regular wine consumption can harm tooth enamel. Wine’s acidity can dissolve the tooth structure, and both red and white wine can increase staining of the teeth as well. Still, you don’t have to give up your regular glass of wine to save your smile.
Enamel erosion develops when wine drinkers swish the wine, keeping it in constant contact with the enamel, so instead, take small sips and rinse your mouth with plenty of water when you’re done drinking,
Pregnancy
It’s especially important to take care of your teeth and gums when you’re expecting, since studies show a link between untreated gum disease and pre-term and low-birth-weight babies.
Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, particularly surges in estrogen and progesterone, can cause inflammation of the gums, which can lead to gingivitis (red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed) and put you at risk for infection. If you have morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acid caused by vomiting, since it can lead to tooth decay.
Diet pills
Even though they may seem like a quick way to trim your waist, diet pills can also be a fast track to gum disease and tooth decay. Like many over-the-counter and prescription medications, diet pills decrease salivary flow, which causes dry mouth and puts you at risk for gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and discomfort.
Bottom line: A balanced diet and exercise are the safest way to lose weight and protect your smile.
Candy
Contrary to what mom said, sugar won’t directly rot your teeth—but the acid produced when you eat sugar and carbohydrates can.
Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth devour sugar, creating acids that attack tooth enamel, which can lead to decay and a host of other problems, including gingivitis and cavities. When ever you eat sugar or carbohydrates, the plaque is converted to an acid for 20 minutes. This is called an acid attack. Each one of these little attacks breaks down the tooth enamel until you have a cavity.
The worst thing you can do is leave sugar lingering on your teeth and gums. Eating any amount of candy and brushing and flossing immediately is actually less damaging than not brushing after eating one piece before bedtime. If you can’t brush after a snack attack, eat cheese or yogurt, or chew sugarless gum to boost saliva flow and neutralize acids. Rinsing thoroughly with water will help too, but try to brush after sugary snacks.
Puberty
The hormonal surge that occurs during puberty can cause more than acne—it can also result in swollen gums that are more sensitive to plaque. This can lead to gum infections, gingivitis, and mouth sores. Typically the gums only respond this way if hygiene care is poor. Make sure your teen brushes and flosses daily, uses a fluoride mouthwash at bedtime, and sees a dentist regularly.
Dry mouth
A dry mouth isn’t just unpleasant, it’s bad for your teeth. Saliva washes away cavity-causing bacteria and neutralizes harmful acids. Without saliva, you would be at a much higher risk for tooth decay and tooth loss. Saliva helps prevent tooth decay and a whole host of other oral health problems.
A good solution would be to drink lots of water, chew sugarless gum, use a fluoride toothpaste or rinse, and consider over-the-counter artificial saliva substitutes. See your doctor if dry mouth is a frequent problem. Many medications on the market today, both prescription and over the counter can cause dry mouth.
Dieting
Restrictive diets and poor eating habits can deprive you of the vitamins and nutrients necessary for a beautiful smile. It’s especially important to get enough folate, B vitamins, protein, calcium, and vitamin C—all of which are considered essential for healthy teeth and gums.
Poor nutrition can affect your entire immune system, increasing your susceptibility to many disorders and infections, including periodontal disease.
Stay tuned for the 20 Things That Can Ruin Your Smile Part 2
To improve YOUR smile we offer FREE teeth whitening to all new patients after their first dental hygiene appointment. Call Amy for details at: (914) 241-2242. We can help you have that pretty smile you’ve always wanted.
www.WestchesterTopDentist.com
Dr. Steven Abel commented on the recognition: "This is quite an honor for me. The fact that Westchester Magazine has included again this year in its selection of "2014 Top Dentists," signals that my constant effort to deliver excellent patient care has paid off. It is gratifying to be recognized in this way."
