Restorative Dentistry for Your Bad Dental Habits
You may think that you take good care of your teeth because your brush and floss regularly. However, like hundreds of patients, you may unwittingly engage in routines that are harmful for your smile. Nervous habits, dietary choices, and even improper brushing techniques can weaken your teeth. In many cases, these behaviors can also increase your risk for decay. If you schedule regular dental checkups, Dr. Gooch can often detect these habits and help you break them before you seriously damage your smile. If you already have compromised teeth, he also offers restorative dentistry to renew your oral health and function. To learn how you can avoid bad dental habits, contact our Birmingham practice today.
Biting Your Nails
Like many nail biters, you may have tried to kick the habit because you are self conscious or you do not like the appearance of your hands. You may not even realize that biting your nails can have far more dramatic - and lasting - effects on your teeth. The teeth are very strong, and they are designed to withstand a lot of force. Nevertheless, fingernails are also very hard, and nail biting can crack and chip your teeth. Other habits, such as chewing ice, biting on pencils, and using your teeth to open packages, can have similar results.
If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, Dr. Gooch will usually recommend a dental crown. At our practice, we proudly use CEREC® technology to provide same-day crowns. These restorations will be made with highly precise digital images. They will fit right over your teeth, restoring function and blending seamlessly with your smile.
Drinking Soda
Nutritionists and dieticians have long warned us about the dangers of soda. In addition to the negative effects that soft drinks can have on your physical health, they can also be very harmful for your smile. Sugar, the main ingredient in soda, is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. Sodas are high in acidity, which can erode your dental enamel and increase your risk for cavities.
If you have developed a cavity, a filling is the most common solution. We offer silver amalgam fillings, but we prefer to use tooth-colored composite. This material has obvious aesthetic benefits, and it will also bond more securely to your tooth. If you have a larger cavity, Dr. Gooch may recommend a crown instead.
Brushing the Wrong Way
If you brush your teeth twice a day, you may assume that your dental health is in good shape. In fact, using the wrong techniques can be bad for your teeth. Brushing too hard is one of the most common errors, since it can erode your enamel and irritate your gums. Using a brush with hard bristles can have similar effects. In addition, you should wait about 30 minutes after eating before you clean your teeth. Before this time, your mouth is still full of food particles and sugars. If you brush too soon, you will simply rub these substances into your teeth.
If you visit our office regularly, Dr. Gooch or one of his team members can often detect the signs of improper hygiene. Then they can recommend better brushing methods, and they can perform a thorough cleaning to reverse the earliest stages of decay. If you have a cavity or severe erosion, Dr. Gooch can usually treat it using one of the methods described above.
Contact Our Office for the Care You Need
It’s time to break those bad dental habits and protect your smile! Contact our office today to find out how we can improve your oral health.