Everyday Factors that Can Ruin Your Smile

First impressions are everything, and your smile is the first thing people notice. That’s why it’s important to maintain healthy, beautiful teeth. However, brushing, flossing, and visit your Boise dentist at Summit Dental regularly may not be enough. That’s why it’s important to take into account some of the everyday factors that can ruin your smile and put a serious damper on your oral health.

Sports & Energy Drinks

While sports and energy drinks have become increasingly popular over the past decade, it’s important to remember that they can wreak havoc on your teeth. High in sugar and acidic components, many of these drinks can wear away tooth enamel,  leaving you vulnerable to cavities, tooth discoloration, and sensitivity. This, in turn, can result in costly dental repairs down the road.

Tobacco

Smoking not only turns your teeth yellow but causes a number of potentially life-threatening problems. Using any form of tobacco (smoking, chewing, etc.) can harm not only your overall health but your teeth and gums in a variety of different ways. In fact, tobacco use can cause throat, lung, mouth cancer, and even death. Other side effects include increased acid levels, gum inflammation, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

Wine

While there may be some health benefits to having a glass of wine, it’s important to note that regular wine consumption can also harm and stain your teeth. As with sports and energy drinks, wine contains high levels of acid that can harm tooth enamel. If you’re a regular wine drinker, the dentists at Summit Dental Group suggest cutting back your intake, taking small sips, and rinsing with water when you are done drinking.

Pregnancy

Taking care of your teeth and gums is especially important during pregnancy. Changes in hormone levels can cause inflammation of the gums, which can lead to gingivitis. In fact, studies have shown a direct link between gum disease and preterm and low-birth-weight babies. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, tender gums that are prone to bleeding. That’s why it’s important to visit your downtown Boise dentist for regular checkups when you are expecting.

Dieting

Restrictive diets and poor eating habits can harm your teeth by depriving you of essential vitamins and nutrients necessary to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. When dieting, it’s important to make sure you are getting enough folate, B vitamins, protein, calcium, and vitamin C – all of which are essential for healthy teeth and gums. Poor nutrition can also put a damper on your immune system, making you vulnerable to infections like periodontal disease.

Over-Whitening

Teeth whitening is the #1 requested cosmetic service today. However, over-whitening can cause translucent and unnatural looking teeth. That’s why it’s important to talk with your downtown Boise dentist when you want to enhance your smile. While regular teeth cleanings can help remove many external stains while promoting good oral health, your Boise dentist can go over what is appropriate concerning your whitening expectations and goals.

Summit Dental Group

At Summit Dental Group, our Boise dentists understand there are a variety of factors that can affect the health of your smile. If you are unsure about whether a certain habit, dietary choice, or element of your daily routine may be affecting your oral health, call us at (208) 314-2275. Our dedicated team of dental professionals would be more than happy to set up an appointment and answer any questions you may have.