6 Tips To Avoid Costly Dental Treatment

For Tulsa Dental Center Patients

In this blog we cover a few obvious things to avoid when considering the long term health of your teeth. We talk about the different foods that most frequently cause damage and require repair.

If you have a question about dental repair or treatments, call us, we’ll gladly answer anything you need to know before booking a dental appointment here at Tulsa Dental Center.

Certain Foods Can Crack Your Teeth

Popcorn is one of the most common foods that will crack your teeth. It may seem innocent enough, but unpopped kernels wreak havoc on teeth. Don’t try to crack them open with your teeth. Use a high- quality popcorn that has fewer unpopped kernels. The outer hull of the kernel is another problem. It can get stuck between teeth or in the gum line. Brush and floss after eating popcorn.

Other foods that damage teeth are olive pits. Be mindful when eating an olive because damage generally occurs when you bite down on something hard when you’re anticipating softness. Watch out for hard, crunchy foods, such as biscotti, croutons and baguettes. Don’t chew on rib bones or buffalo chicken wings. Avoid frozen candy bars, Snickers and Milky Ways. Peanut brittle and rock candy can also do a number on your teeth. Don’t bite into hard candy. You should also be careful when eating gooey candy, like Starburst or taffy. Be careful when chewing ice, too, in fact, just don’t do it

Certain Drinks Are Worse For Your Teeth

Soft drinks with sugar and acids can erode tooth enamel. Even sugar-free varieties have damaging acids. Fruit juices, while having much-needed vitamins and minerals, are also highly acidic. Instead of avoiding these drinks all the time, reduce exposure by only drinking them with meals. If you drink these kinds of liquids all day, your mouth is constantly bombarded with acid. Use a straw when possible, because it will keep the acid away from your teeth.

Avoid Staining Your Teeth

Red wine, tea and coffee will stain your teeth, making them appear discolored and aged. Smoking is another teeth staining activity. Prevention is better than spending hundreds of dollars trying to get your teeth white again. Even over-the-counter products are expensive, especially when you consider that it can take months to see even slight improvements.

Your Teeth Are Not Tools

Your teeth weren’t designed to pull the caps off pens or to bite threads when you’re sewing. Always get the right tool to open a package. Don’t use your teeth to bite your nails. It’s unhygienic and bad for your teeth.

Wear Sports Guards

Whenever you play sports, especially contact sports like football, hockey or baseball, use a mouth-guard to protect your teeth. Don’t risk your pearly whites when you’re out on the field or the court. In the case of dental damage, consult our dentist.

Get Regular Dental Care in Tulsa

Make sure to see your dental team in Tulsa every six months for a cleaning and exam. Your dentist will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy, which prevents many dental issues down the road. Make an appointment today with Tulsa Dental Center.