Avoid These 5 Smile Wreckers

angry woman throwing a punch in boxing gloves

We hope today’s post will alert blog visitors to some harmful oral health threats. At Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, too often, we treat tooth decay and damage caused by the following:

1. Sports Injuries

Many parents send their kids out on the playing field with a mouthguard but fail to safeguard themselves when they participate in activities that put teeth at risk. Talk to us at Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry about custom sports mouthguards for every athlete in the family.

2. Ice Chomping

Many individuals like chewing ice, especially that irresistible pebble ice you can get in some fountain drinks. You may not even be aware that you chew on the ice when you have finished your drink. Breaking this habit can protect your teeth from cracks, chips, and tooth sensitivity.

3. Oral Piercings

Are you someone who expresses your personality with piercings in and around the mouth? We strongly discourage this. In addition to the risk of cracking or chipping, infection and permanent nerve damage can develop.

4. Gummy or Sour Candy

Of course, all sugar-filled candies are no friend to your enamel, but gummy candy packs a double punch because it is both sugary and clings firmly to teeth. Sour candy triggers even more acid production than sugary candy alone. If your sweet tooth is extremely persuasive, chew sugarless gum.

5. Eating Disorders

These complex mental disorders have a multitude of mental and physical implications and, for most affected people, cannot be simply wished away with willpower. If you suffer from bulimia or anorexia, we hope you are receiving the appropriate professional care. Be advised, however, that there are some things you can do to obtain a measure of protection for your teeth while you work through the healing process. Dr. Ratcliff can provide sensitive, discrete oral health guidance for those currently suffering or those who have overcome a disorder but have tooth damage as a result.

What If It’s Too Late?

If you have oral health issues due to one of these, or for any other reason, there are still ways to heal your smile. Virtually all tooth damage can be treated with advanced dentistry. We pride ourselves on providing answers to the dental dilemmas caused by common smile wreckers. However, we are even happier when our patients are able to avoid them and just visit us twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is located at 909 W Mitchell St, in Arlington, Texas. Call us at 817-274-7875 to schedule a consultation.

 

CONTACT STEPHEN RATCLIFF FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY:

817-274-7875

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

909 W Mitchell St
Arlington, Texas
76013