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Our endodontist at Linda Ricks, DDS, MS, PC specializes in diagnosing and treating teeth that have become painful due to an infection, a crack, or have suffered an injury. We steadfastly believe that saving your natural tooth whenever possible is always a better alternative than a replacement.
We’re also big proponents of preventative action to protect these 32 precious natural wonders, and we’d like to take a moment to point out a few bad habits that can lead to requiring a root canal or other procedure. They’re awfully common and quite simple, but are mistakes we often hear about among patients requiring dental care.
Cold, hard facts: Chewing on ice is incredibly common, especially during the warm weather when plopping a few cubes into your beverage of choice is natural. But this seemingly innocent preoccupation can lead to minuscule chips in the enamel — the hard, protective layer of your teeth. Over time, these little chips can grow into larger cracks that require a root canal.
Pop Culture: Another culprit among the cracked-tooth perpetrators is the unpopped popcorn kernel. These are plenty hard enough to cause damage, according to the American Association of Endodontists. Those hulls that get stuck between your teeth can also be annoying!
Energy Crisis: Some so-called energy drinks can inflict more harm on your teeth than soda. There’s a high level of acid in these drinks, so you are in essence coating your teeth in both sugar and acid. There’s no drink that’s better for your teeth than water, especially if it contains fluoride.
Smoke Signals: If you think that vaping is safer for your teeth than smoking, think again! Vapers are still inhaling nicotine, which increases plaque and bacteria in the mouth, restricts the flow of blood to the gums, and stains teeth.
Our endodontist at Linda Ricks, DDS, MS, PC hopes you follow these suggestions to maintain oral health. But If you’re experiencing pain and/or sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, please contact us for an appointment.
By Linda Ricks, DDS, MS, PC
June 28, 2024
