We’d be the first to tell you that dental implants are one of the best methods for replacing missing and badly damaged teeth but as a dental clinic which regularly carries out dental implants in Richmond we wouldn’t be doing our job properly if we failed to point out bad habits which can damage remaining teeth and even implants. So let’s take a look at some of the bad habits which many of us are guilty of from time to time:
Crunching ice cubes
Most cold drinks are enhanced with the addition of ice cubes, particularly on hot summer days, and many people like to crunch the ice cubes once they’ve finished their drink, after all there’s no sugar involved so it must be pretty harmless, right? However, crunching on hard frozen ice can chip and even crack teeth or implants and if that chomping irritates the soft tissue within a tooth then you may find yourself suffering from regular bouts of toothache. So next time you feel the urge to chomp on the ice, reach for the sugar free gum instead.
Tongue piercing
It may be hip and trendy to have a tongue piercing but if you accidentally bite down on the metal stud then it can crack a tooth. Similarly the same problem could occur with a lip piercing. In addition, when metal rubs against gums there is the chance that gum disease may occur. A warm moist mouth is a place where bacteria can thrive and as a result piercings can raise the chances of sores and infections. We’d always recommend that you have a quick word with your dentist to discuss any health risks.
Using your teeth to open stuff
If there’s one thing that makes us dentists cringe it’s when people open bottle caps or plastic packaging with their teeth. This habit can easily lead to teeth getting cracked or chipped. The bottom line is keep a pair of scissors and bottle opener handy and save your teeth for eating!
Drinking lots of sports drinks
Exercising is good for our bodies but when it comes to reaching out for sports drinks after a workout then you might want to think again. Most sports drinks are loaded with sugar which can attack the enamel on your teeth and drinking them on a regular basis can lead to tooth decay. Instead a far better option to stay hydrated is to drink sugar and calorie free water.
Heavy smoking
If you’re looking for dental implants in Richmond, then you’ve probably already been told that smoking can impact on the success of the implant. In fact most dental clinics won’t proceed with a dental implant unless the prospective patient gives up smoking prior to the implant being placed and during the healing process. Cigarettes stain teeth and can in some cases lead to disease which can cause teeth to loosen and fall out. Tobacco can also cause cancer of the mouth, lips and tongue, so if you really want to safeguard your smile, what better reason could there be for quitting?
If you’re in the unfortunate position of having lost a tooth or teeth, then why not contact us at Sheen Dental in Richmond. We offer a free consultation where we’ll carry out a thorough oral examination to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant and to discuss the tooth replacement options best suited to your needs. You can call us on 020 8876 5277 or visit the website at www.sheendental.co.uk.