Tooth enamel is one of the strongest substances in the body, but it is non-renewable so it is vital to not neglect or abuse our teeth. Proper oral hygiene is the first step in protecting your enamel. At Just Smiles, we can help you retain optimal oral health both now and in the future.
Even though every drug store carries hard bristle brushes, we counsel our patients to brush with a soft brush after every meal to gently clean away food particles. Scrub too hard, and you can erode enamel. It is ideal to brush immediately after eating but brushing within 60 minutes of a meal has benefits. The quicker you remove food from your teeth, the better it is for your enamel.
Flossing regularly is also vital to keep gums healthy. Whether the food is on tooth surfaces or hidden in between, it is not doing your enamel any good.
Dr. Phil Chahine recommends a checkup and comprehensive cleaning every six months. Our skilled hygienists remove tartar, a substance that attracts plaque to the surface of the teeth and can weaken tooth structures. Regular checkups prevent problems and save you money on costly restorations down the road.
Remember: don’t use your teeth for opening packages! Keep scissors and bottle openers handy. At Just Smiles, we see damaged teeth and dental work as a result of patients using their teeth as tools. Biting down on something too hard, like ice or hard candy can also damage enamel.
Attention Hilliard, Hilliard, and Columbus athletes: be sure to use a mouthguard for team, contact, and recreational sports.
Teeth grinding is also a common dental threat. Be careful not to grind teeth, this can not only wear away enamel but also pave ways for cavities to get in. If you grind your teeth while you are sleeping, make an appointment to be fitted for a night guard.Your enamel will thank you.
Lastly, remember: drink water. Coffee, sports drinks, soda, wine, and tea all contain a lot of acids and/or sugar. Cut back, or at least use a straw. These drinks cause a lot of tooth decay for non-water drinkers in Columbus.
We hope you find these Just Smiles tips useful. For more specifics on exceptional dental care, or to schedule an appointment, talk to our Hilliard family dentist office today at 614-363-0030
CONTACT JUST SMILES FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY
LOCATIONS (TAP BELOW TO OPEN YOUR OFFICE IN GOOGLE MAPS):
JUST SMILES FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY
656 N STATE ST
WESTERVILLE, OH 43082
614-392-7109JUST SMILES FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY
1921 HILLIARD ROME RD
HILLIARD, OH 43026
614-363-0030
