Your chewing can say a lot about your smile and oral health. It also says a lot about whether you’re keyed into the best way to protect your grin or if you’re not quite filled in regarding how to keep your teeth and gums safe. Let’s go ahead and talk about chewing by focusing on some things you really shouldn’t be doing, why you shouldn’t be doing them, and what you should do if a problem arises. Get this detail under control and you’ll be giving your smile that extra care it needs.
Chewing Food That’s Hard Or Resistant
If you’re chewing food that is hard or that is resistant, you’re not doing yourself or your oral health any favors. This can backfire in more than one way. Remember:
- Food that’s too hard can break or chip teeth
- Hard food can stress jaw joints
- Food that’s too resistant can also damage teeth or lead to (or contribute to) TMJ disorder
Chewing All Day Long
If you’re chewing gum, snacking, and generally moving your jaw all day long, you’re doing two things: You’re encouraging or worsening bruxism disorder and you’re encouraging or worsening TMJ disorder. Only eat meals and occasional snacks. Don’t stretch the eating out over several hours.
Chewing On Objects
What are you chewing on that’s not food? If you’re chewing on an object, then you should probably stop. This creates extra chewing that you don’t need to do (because of the aforementioned potential oral health problems).
Chewing That Feels Bad
Remember that if chewing ever feels bad or strange, you should let us know. You may require treatment, which you should receive right away.
Protect Your Smile With Chewing Suggestions
Remember that your chewing is an important factor when it comes to keeping your smile safe and healthy. If you have concerns, let us know immediately. Find out if you’re making good choices by scheduling a visit with your Ankeny, IA dentist today! Contact Peddicord Family Dentistry to set up an appointment by calling 515-963-3339.