Soft drinks are chock-full of sugar, which puts you at a risk for cavities, tooth decay, and gum infections, and dark colas can also stain your teeth, leaving you with a lackluster smile.
We recommend drinking soda through a straw and rinsing with water or chewing sugar-free gum after consumption to neutralize the acids. We also recommend waiting at least an hour before brushing.
Even though they may seem like a quick way to trim your waist, diet pills can also be a fast track to gum disease and tooth decay. Like many over-the-counter and prescription medications, diet pills decrease salivary flow, which causes dry mouth and puts you at risk for gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and discomfort.
Bottom line: A balanced diet and exercise are the safest way to lose weight and protect your smile.
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can affect your jaw, cause pain, and even change the appearance of your face. Stress and anger can increase nighttime teeth grinding.
Finding ways to alleviate these feelings can help, but it's also important to see your dentist, who can recommend solutions like a custom night guard.
