You’ve invested in your smile with dental bonding, and the results are fantastic. Your confidence is soaring, and you can’t stop showing off your brilliant, restored teeth. At Lilac Dental, we love seeing our patients leave with renewed self-assurance. As a leading provider of cosmetic dentistry in Saugus, our goal is to help you maintain that beautiful smile for as long as possible.
While tooth bonding is a durable and effective solution for chips, cracks, and discoloration, the composite resin material isn’t indestructible. Certain everyday activities and habits can put your bonding at risk without you even realizing it. Here are some unexpected things that could damage your dental bonding.
1. Indulging in Deceptively Hard or Sticky Foods
Chewing on ice or hard candy is a major no-no for natural teeth and bonded teeth alike. But other, less obvious foods can pose a threat. Biting directly into a crisp apple, a hard pretzel, or a crunchy baguette can place immense pressure on the bonded area, potentially causing it to chip or fracture.
Sticky foods like caramels, taffy, or even very chewy dried fruit can also be problematic for your Saugus cosmetic dentistry. These treats can pull at the bonding material, weakening the adhesive bond over time. It’s best to cut hard foods into smaller, bite-sized pieces and be mindful when enjoying sticky snacks.
2. Using Your Teeth as a Tool
It’s a common habit: using your teeth to rip open a package, tear tape, or unscrew a stubborn bottle cap. While it might seem convenient at the moment, this is one of the quickest ways to damage your dental work. Your teeth, especially bonded ones, are not designed to be multi-tools.
This habit puts direct, uneven pressure on the edges of your teeth. The composite resin of your bonding can easily chip or break away under this kind of force. Always keep scissors, a bottle opener, or other appropriate tools handy to avoid temptation. Protecting your smile is worth the extra second it takes to find the right tool for the job.
3. Your Seemingly Harmless Hobbies
Many hobbies can bring joy and fulfillment, but some can unintentionally harm your smile. If you play contact sports like hockey, football, or martial arts, a custom-fitted mouthguard is absolutely essential. A stray ball, puck, or elbow can easily chip or dislodge your bonding, leading to an emergency dental visit. In fact, one study cited by the American Dental Association (ADA) found that wearing a mouthguard could lower the risk of dental trauma to a little over 7%, compared to up to 59% for non-mouthguard users.
Even non-contact sports can pose a risk. Weightlifting, for example, often causes people to clench their jaw, putting significant strain on their teeth. Similarly, hobbies that involve holding objects with your mouth, like a seamstress holding pins or a woodworker holding nails, can lead to accidental chips and wear. Being mindful of these habits is the first step toward protecting your cosmetic dentistry in Saugus.
4. Unconscious Daily Habits
Do you chew on your pens or pencils while concentrating at work? Do you bite your nails when you’re nervous? These common, often unconscious habits can wreak havoc on your tooth bonding. The persistent, repetitive pressure wears down the composite resin over time, making it more susceptible to chipping and staining.
Another habit to watch for is grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism), which often happens during sleep. This can cause significant damage not just to your bonding but to all your teeth. If you wake up with jaw pain or a dull headache, talk to the team at Lilac Dental. A custom nightguard is a simple and effective solution to protect your smile while you sleep.
5. Consuming Staining Foods and Drinks
Dental bonding material is porous and can absorb stains more easily than natural tooth enamel. Frequently drinking coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas can cause your bonding to become discolored over time. Foods like berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce can also contribute to staining.
This doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods and drinks entirely to preserve your cosmetic dentistry in Saugus! You can minimize staining by drinking through a straw, rinsing your mouth with water after consumption, and maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine. Regular cleanings also help keep your smile bright and uniform.
Steer Clear of Bad Habits, Stay Smiling for Longer
Ready to get cosmetic dentistry in Saugus or looking for tips to preserve your aesthetic work? Book a visit with Lilac Dental. Your smile is a reflection of your health and happiness, and we’re here to help you preserve it.