Tooth enamel is the hardest part of the human body, but that doesn’t mean teeth are indestructible. Far from it! To keep them healthy and problem-free, the team at Dr. Bill Dorfman DDS in Century City CA recommends (strongly!) you avoid the following.

1. Chewing on hard foods

We’re looking at you, unpopped popcorn kernels and hard candy.

2. Chewing on hard things

This includes fingernails, pencils, pen caps, and ice.

3. Grinding your teeth

If you grind your teeth, ask us about an oral appliance.

4. Eating too much sticky food

Gummy candy, dried fruit, and even protein bars can break teeth.

5. Drinking lots of anything besides water

If your teeth are constantly bathed in soda (sugared or diet), juice, coffee, or sports drinks, you are asking for dental issues.

6. Playing sports without a mouthguard

Sports pose a major risk of tooth damage. Most children are required to wear a protective mouthguard on the playing field, but adults tend to be less vigilant. (Custom-fitted mouthguards are more comfortable than the cheap boil-and-bite type.)

7. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush

A hard-bristled tooth brush can weaken teeth and cause gums to pull away. We recommend a soft (or extra-soft) toothbrush!

8. Ignoring dry mouth

Saliva is important. It helps to rinse food particles from your mouth as well as neutralize the acids that cause plaque. Constant dry mouth (xerostomia) can lead to tooth decay. Talk to us if you have persistent dry mouth.

9. Using teeth as tools

Take a minute to find a pair of scissors before you tear open a package of lunch meat or pry the lid of a medicine bottle. Use a nutcracker if you are eating unshelled nuts. A quality dental crown can cost over eight hundred dollars!

10. Ignoring bad breath

Bad breath might be a symptom of accelerating tooth decay. Discuss it with us.

11. Ignoring jaw pain

If you suffer from jaw pain or notice a clicking sound, be sure to let us know! These can be signs of a condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

If you’ve already damaged a tooth, come see us at Dr. Bill Dorfman DDS in Century City CA. We offer complete general and family dentistry, and have helped patients throughout Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Los Angeles. We also offer cosmetic dentistry. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Dr. Bill Dorfman, DDS – Century City Aesthetic Dentistry:

310-277-5678

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2080 Century Park E Ste 1601
Los Angeles, California
90067