Protect Your Teeth

Adult teeth are the last pair we will have! So, keeping our gums and teeth in good health is very important. Chewing or biting down on hard objects such as ice cubes, pencils, and nuts can cause tooth fractures. Here are some precautions you can take to avoid injuries to your teeth.

  • Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
  • NEVER use your teeth to cut things, use scissors.
  • Do not use your teeth to open items.
  • Use a mouth guard when participating in sports or recreational activities.

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Mouth Guards

Mouth guards, which are made of soft plastic or laminate, are most commonly used by athletes involved in physical contact sports. A mouth guard can protect your teeth, gums, cheeks, and jaw.

Clenching and grinding is a common involuntary reaction when we are put under physical or mental stress. Individuals who are at risk for grinding and clenching are people who lift heavy weights either for work purposes or for leisure and those who live/work in a high-stress environment. If you are aware of this habit, be sure to talk to your dental provider about a mouth guard. Your dental provider can customize a mouth guard for you.

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Sleep Bruxism

Sleep bruxism occurs when you clench or grind your teeth while you sleep. Usually, a night-time grinder is unaware of this habit until it is pointed out by a dental professional and/or another person sharing the same room. Your dental provider can share more information about what type of mouth guard to wear while you sleep.

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Injured Adult Tooth

If an injury results in your adult (permanent tooth) falling off or chipping, you must act fast!

    • Chipped or broken:
      • Collect all pieces of the tooth
      • Rinse the mouth with warm water
      • Call a dental provider right away and ask for an emergency visit
    • Permanent tooth knocked out:
      • Bite down on sterile gauze to stop the bleeding
      • Grab injured tooth by the crown (white, chewing surface of tooth)
      • Place in a cup of milk or your own saliva. Do not place in tap water!
      • Call a dental provider right away to schedule a visit

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