Stay Away From These Smile Saboteurs!

Sabotage. It’s an age-old tactic used by the enemy to deliberately destroy, damage, or hinder his opponent. All the great villains of history, literature, and screen are masters at the art of sabotage. It’s a staple of every hero’s story that builds suspense like nothing else quite can.

But sabotage doesn’t just happen in military history or storybooks or movies. It happens in our own lives. When someone attempts to destroy everything you’ve worked for and everything you care about, it can be devastating.

Whether it’s a pesky neighborhood kid set on the destruction of your beloved flower garden or a jilted colleague trying to take credit for your hard work on a recent project, sabotage creates the most frustrating, and even heartbreaking, setbacks. And the only thing worse than an enemy trying to sabotage all your efforts is when you become the saboteur!

Yes, self-sabotage happens to the best of us. You start a diet but then fail miserably because you didn’t get rid of all the junk food in the pantry. You rededicate yourself to the gym a few nights a week but stop after a month because you keep forgetting to pack gym clothes as you head out for work each morning.

Self-sabotage usually happens unwittingly. Honestly, who would ever do that to themselves on purpose? At Matthew J. Cavendish DDS, PLLC, we want to arm you with the right information to keep this from happening to you and your healthy smile!

That’s why today’s blog is about smile saboteurs, those habits that could be hurting your smile and some positive habits you can replace them with!

Smile Saboteurs!

Crunching on Ice Cubes

Summers in Phoenix sure are hot! That’s why it makes total sense that you’d seek refreshment by chewing on ice cubes. For many people, maybe even you, this is a habit you have all year long.

But while this habit may be cooling you off, it’s definitely not good for your teeth! You could find yourself in a dental emergency if you bite down on an ice cube in just the wrong way and break your tooth. Believe us, it happens!

You could also change the overall shape of your teeth over time. Your teeth can become worn and the outline of your teeth jagged and misshapen. It can also have a negative effect on your bite alignment as well.

Stop the smile sabotage and find another way of staying cool this summer in Phoenix!

Smoking (and Other Forms of Tobacco)

Smoking and chewing tobacco not only stain your teeth considerably, but they put you at a much higher risk for oral cancer and a variety of overall health problems. If you don’t quit using tobacco products, we’re afraid your smile won’t be the only thing that suffers from this form of self-sabotage.

Sugary Snacks and Drinks

No one likes to hear this, but you know that sugar is bad for your teeth. We’ve been hearing this since childhood!

But that doesn’t make it any less true. Excessive amounts of sugar can leave your teeth vulnerable to decay and your gums more prone to infection. That’s because plaque and tartar causing bacteria to thrive on the sugar from your food and drinks in order to create acids that eat away at your teeth and gums.

Stop the self-sabotage for the sake of your smile and avoid too much sugar.

Smile Savers!

Drink Plenty of Water

Dehydration isn’t just dangerous to your overall health, but it can also damage your smile. Saliva in your mouth helps wash away food particles and protect your tooth enamel from erosion. Without enough water to keep you hydrated in the heat of summer, you’re leaving your tooth enamel without adequate protection against acids that weaken your teeth, and you give bacteria and other harmful matter a chance to take over your mouth and ruin your smile.

Snack on Crunchy Fruits & Veggies

Without having ice to crunch on, you might find yourself anxious for an alternative. So go with healthier crunch options like celery, carrots, and apples. All of these pack a powerful crunch, help promote saliva production, and clean your teeth as you eat them thanks to their natural scrubbing power!

Side with Your Friends Here in Phoenix, AZ!

Let our team at Matthew J. Canvendish, DDS PLLC keep your mouth healthy this summer with a dental cleaning and exam!

Call us today at 602-835-1304. You can also fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.