Tag: Smith Dentalworks

Chewing Ice, Nail Biting, and Other Habits That Hurt Your Teeth

From chewing ice cubes to biting your nails, everyday habits can seem harmless—until they start to harm your teeth. These actions may offer short-term comfort or convenience, but over time, they can cause serious damage. Understanding how these habits affect your oral health can help you protect your smile for years to come.

Chewing Ice: Cool, But Not Tooth-Friendly

Chewing ice may seem like a fun way to cool off, but it’s one of the top bad habits that can damage your teeth. Ice cubes are hard and can lead to chipping or cracking of your tooth enamel. Once enamel is damaged, your teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay and tooth loss. Instead of crunching ice, try sipping cold drinks or switching to chilled water to stay cool without the risk.

Nail Biting: Stress Relief That Bites Back

Biting your nails is often a nervous habit, but it can cause serious harm to your teeth and gums. It puts pressure on your teeth in ways they’re not meant to handle, which can lead to misalignment and enamel wear. Nail biting can also introduce bacteria into your mouth, raising the risk of infections and even oral cancer over time. Some people find success breaking the habit by using bitter-tasting nail polishes or keeping their hands busy with a stress ball or fidget tool.

Using Your Teeth as Tools

Your teeth were made for eating, not for opening packages or tearing tags. Using your teeth as tools may be convenient at the moment, but it’s a shortcut that can lead to cracks, chips, or even broken teeth. Reach for scissors instead and give your teeth a break.

Grinding and Clenching: Silent Nightly Damage

A lot of people clench or grind their teeth at night without even knowing it. Over time, this habit can wear away enamel, cause jaw discomfort, and potentially loosen teeth. Wearing a custom-fitted mouth guard from your dentist is an effective way to shield your teeth while you sleep.

Not Brushing Properly

Even brushing your teeth can be damaging if you’re not doing it right. Using a hard-bristled brush or brushing too aggressively can erode enamel and irritate your gums. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush with light, circular strokes to avoid harming your gums or enamel. Keeping up with brushing two times a day and flossing every day is key to maintaining good oral health.

Drinking Dark Beverages

Coffee, tea, and sodas may get you through the day, but they can stain teeth over time. Some of these drinks also contain acids that wear away enamel. Rinse your mouth with drinking water after having these beverages to reduce their effects, and drink through a straw when possible.

Take Control of Your Oral Health Today

Your daily habits play a big role in the health of your teeth and gums. Whether you’re guilty of chewing ice, biting your nails, or using your teeth as tools, it’s never too late to make a change. At Smith Dentalworks, we’re here to help you break the habits that can harm your teeth and support a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Schedule your next dental check-up today and start fresh with healthier habits.

What Your Tongue Can Tell You About Your Oral Health

Your tongue is more than just a muscle that helps you speak, chew, and taste—it’s also a window into your oral health. Many people are unaware that changes in the color, texture, or appearance of the tongue can indicate underlying issues, ranging from tooth decay to gum disease. By learning what to look for, you can catch potential problems early and take steps to protect your oral health.

The Color of Your Tongue Matters

A normal, healthy tongue typically appears pink and has tiny bumps on its surface known as papillae. If your tongue appears bright red, pale, white-coated, or even yellow, it could be a sign of an issue worth addressing. For instance, a white-coated tongue may point to oral thrush or dry mouth, while a bright red tongue could suggest a vitamin deficiency or infection. If discoloration doesn’t go away after brushing your tongue or drinking water, it’s time to schedule a dental visit.

Texture and Bumps: What’s Normal?

Your tongue should have a slightly rough texture due to the papillae, but unusual bumps, swelling, or a smooth, glossy surface might signal a problem. A swollen tongue could indicate an allergic reaction or infection, while a smooth tongue may result from a lack of essential nutrients. Painful bumps or ulcers can also be signs of irritation, canker sores, or early symptoms of more serious concerns like oral cancer.

Bad Breath and Dry Mouth

Your tongue can also play a role in bad breath and dry mouth, two common signs that you may not be practicing good oral hygiene. Bacteria can accumulate on the tongue, leading to odor and contributing to tooth decay or gum disease. Dry mouth, often caused by certain medications or dehydration, reduces saliva flow, which helps protect your oral health. Sipping water regularly and using specially formulated dry mouth products can provide relief.

Tongue Health and Overall Wellness

What’s happening on your tongue might also reflect your overall health. Some systemic conditions, such as diabetes or immune disorders, may show early signs through oral symptoms. A tongue that frequently feels sore, tingly, or discolored could be pointing to something beyond the mouth. That’s why dental professionals consider tongue health as part of a full oral exam. It’s all linked—your oral health, including the condition of your tongue, plays a role in your overall health.

How to Take Care of Your Tongue

Your tongue needs routine care just like your teeth and gums. Gently brushing your tongue every time you brush your teeth helps clear away bacteria and reduces plaque buildup. Drinking fluoridated water, maintaining a balanced diet, and scheduling professional cleaning at least twice a year are also essential habits. These steps don’t just protect your tongue—they help prevent tooth loss, cavities, and more.

Time to Check In With Your Tongue

Your tongue is trying to tell you something—are you listening? If you’ve noticed changes in its color, texture, or comfort, it could be a sign that your oral health needs attention. At Smith Dentalworks, we look at the whole picture, including your tongue, to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.

Schedule your next dental check-up with us today and keep your oral health on the right track.

Should You Brush Your Teeth Before or After Breakfast? Here’s What Dentists Say

Brushing your teeth is a must for a healthy mouth. But have you ever wondered when you should do it—before or after breakfast? You’re not alone! Many people think brushing after eating is better, but dentists have a different take. Let’s explore what the experts say about the best time to brush your teeth in the morning.

Why Brushing Is So Important

Before we dive into the timing, let’s talk about why brushing matters. Even when you sleep, your mouth is full of bacteria. These bacteria create plaque, which can lead to cavities and gum disease if not removed. Brushing your teeth helps clean off plaque and freshen your breath. It’s also important for keeping your enamel strong and your gums healthy.

What Happens When You Sleep

At night, your mouth makes less saliva. Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria, so when there’s less of it, your teeth are more at risk. Brushing right after you wake up is important because it helps remove the buildup of plaque and bacteria from the night and gets your mouth ready for the day.

Brushing Before Breakfast: The Dentist-Approved Choice

Most dentists recommend brushing before you eat breakfast. 

Here’s why:

  1. Protects Your Enamel: Brushing before eating breakfast adds a layer of fluoride from your toothpaste to your teeth, which helps protect them from the acids in food.
  2. Removes Morning Bacteria: It clears away the plaque and bacteria that formed overnight.
  3. Improves Breath: You’ll start the day with a clean, fresh mouth—no morning breath!

If you wait until after you eat, your mouth will already be full of acids from food and drinks like orange juice, which can weaken enamel.

Brushing After You Eat: Is It a Good Idea?

If you really want to brush after you eat, dentists suggest waiting at least 30 minutes. This gives your saliva time to wash away the acids so your enamel isn’t soft when you brush. Brushing too soon after eating acidic foods can potentially harm your teeth. Also, rinsing your mouth with water after eating helps neutralize acids while you wait.

What About Mouthwash or Chewing Gum?

If you’re in a hurry and can’t brush before breakfast, using mouthwash or sugar-free gum can help. These can freshen your breath and reduce some bacteria until you can brush later. Still, they shouldn’t replace brushing with toothpaste.

Keep Your Smile Strong with Smart Habits

Brushing your teeth before breakfast is the best way to protect your enamel and start the day with a clean mouth. Waiting too long—or brushing too soon after acidic foods—can do more harm than good. When it comes to your dental routine, timing really does matter.

At Smith Dentalworks, we’re here to help you build healthy habits for a lifetime of smiles. Whether you have questions about brushing, flossing, or full dental care, our friendly team is here for you.

Schedule your visit today and keep your smile at its best.

Essential Tips to Protect Your Teeth from Sports Injuries

Playing sports is a great way to stay active, but it can also put your teeth at risk. Contact sports like football and hockey increase the chance of sports-related dental injuries, but even non-contact activities can lead to chipped or knocked-out teeth if you’re not careful. Fortunately, with the right protective gear and dental care, you can reduce the risk of dental injuries and keep your smile safe while competing.

The Importance of Wearing a Mouthguard

One of the best ways to protect your teeth during sports is by wearing a mouthguard. A mouthguard acts as a cushion, absorbing the impact from falls, collisions, or flying equipment.

 

There are three main types of mouthguards:

 

  1. Stock Mouthguards: These are pre-formed and ready to wear but may not fit securely.
  2. Boil-and-bite Mouthguards: These are softened in hot water and then molded to fit your teeth.
  3. Custom-fitted Mouthguards: Made by a dentist, these offer the best fit, comfort, and protection.

 

A custom-fitted mouthguard provides superior protection because it is designed specifically for your mouth. This ensures a snug fit, making it easier to breathe and speak while playing.

How a Mouthguard Reduces the Risk of Dental Injuries

A well-fitted mouthguard reduces the risk of serious dental trauma, such as:

 

  • Chipped or Broken Teeth – A mouthguard softens blows to the face, which could cause fractures.
  • Knocked-out Teeth – Protects teeth from being completely dislodged during impact.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries – Prevents cuts and bruises to the lips, tongue, and cheeks.

 

Athletes of all ages should wear a mouthguard during contact sports like football and hockey, but also for basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and any activity where a fall or collision could occur.

Additional Ways to Protect Your Teeth During Sports

Aside from wearing a mouthguard, here are other ways to practice dental safety while playing sports:

 

  1. Wear a Helmet – This can protect your jaw and prevent injuries to your teeth.
  2. Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects – Biting on sports equipment, pens, or ice can weaken teeth.
  3. Keep Up with Regular Dental Care – A regular dental check can help identify any weak spots in your teeth that may be more prone to injury.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Even with precautions, dental emergencies can still happen.

 

If you experience a chipped or knocked-out tooth, follow these steps:

 

  • Rinse it Gently – If a tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown and rinse it with water (do not scrub).
  • Keep the Tooth Moist – If possible, place it back in the socket, in milk, or in a tooth preservation kit.
  • Call Your Dentist Immediately – Quick action increases the chance of saving the tooth.

Trust Smith Dentalworks for Your Dental Safety

Protecting your teeth is essential for maintaining a strong and healthy smile. Whether you need a custom-fitted mouthguard or expert care after a sports-related dental injury, Smith Dentalworks is here to help.

Schedule an appointment today to keep your smile in top shape—because your teeth deserve the best protection.

The Role of Saliva in Oral Health

Saliva might not be something you think about often, but it plays a huge role in keeping your mouth healthy. From washing away food particles to protecting tooth enamel, your saliva works around the clock to maintain a balanced oral environment. Understanding saliva’s functions can help you prevent tooth decay and gum disease, reduce bad breath, and even improve overall oral health.

What Is Saliva and How Is It Produced?

Saliva is a clear liquid made mostly of water, along with enzymes, proteins, and minerals that help protect your teeth and oral tissues. Your major salivary glands—parotid, submandibular, and sublingual—produce most of the saliva in your mouth, while smaller glands scattered throughout the oral cavity contribute a smaller amount.

The glands produce different types of saliva, some more watery and others thicker, to keep your mouth moist and functioning properly. Saliva production increases when you eat to help break down food and decreases when you sleep, which is why morning breath can be worse than usual.

Saliva’s Role in Preventing Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

One of saliva’s most important jobs is protecting your teeth and gums.

It does this by:

  • Neutralizing Acids: The foods you eat and the bacteria in your mouth create acids that can damage tooth enamel. Saliva helps wash away these acids, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
  • Washing Away Food Particles: Leftover food can contribute to plaque buildup and bad breath. Saliva naturally rinses your mouth, preventing harmful bacteria from thriving.
  • Strengthening Tooth Enamel: Minerals in saliva, like calcium and phosphate, help keep enamel strong and resilient.
  • Fighting Bacteria: Saliva contains enzymes that help control bacterial growth, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.

Saliva and Dry Mouth: Why It Matters

When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, it leads to dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. This condition can cause discomfort, make chewing and swallowing difficult, and increase your risk of cavities and infections. Dry mouth can result from health conditions, medications, dehydration, or damage to the salivary glands.

For those who struggle with dry mouth, drinking more water, chewing sugar-free gum, and using artificial saliva products can help maintain moisture in the oral cavity. If the condition persists, it’s important to discuss treatment options with a dental professional.

Saliva’s Unexpected Role in Overall Health

Beyond oral health, saliva plays a part in digestion and detecting health conditions. It contains enzymes that begin breaking down food before it reaches the stomach. Saliva testing is also used in health care to diagnose issues like hormone imbalances, infections, and some diseases.

Protect Your Oral Health with Smith Dentalworks

A healthy mouth starts with proper saliva production and good oral care habits. At Smith Dentalworks, we understand the important role saliva plays in maintaining strong teeth and gums. Whether you’re dealing with tooth decay and gum problems, dry mouth, or just want to keep your smile in top shape, we’re here to help. From preventive care to advanced cosmetic procedures, trust us to support your oral health every step of the way.

Schedule an appointment today and keep your smile healthy for years to come.