Blog Archives - Page 3 of 6 - Limestone Dental Associates

Posted on April 5, 2018August 31, 2018 by Matt Baran

The fear of lack of insurance or inadequate insurance can impact families of all sizes.

Be it a single individual or a family of four, it can be scary when trying to weigh out options for possible treatments. However, if you contact your local dentist regarding affordable dental plans, you may be surprised that some offices will provide their own plans to help reduce costs and keep the payments direct. Specifically with the Limestone Dental Associates’ Savings Plan. You can even see a savings of 5% on your next bill with your first early payment! Here is a brief overview as to how these types of plans may work, and whether it may be the fit for your budget.

How Affordable Dental Plans Cover Your Needs

How do these personalized programs work?

Something to consider when booking your next dental appointment is to see if your local dentist provides any affordable dental plans designed to save on spending with each visit. While not all dental offices provide affordable dental plans directly through their office, the ones that do are providing a great service to those in need of it.

These plans are designed to help lighten the burdens that even the simplest procedures may cost, which includes cleanings and scans. This is crucial to consider if you or a loved one is currently unable to afford a dental insurance plan on the market, or if your current occupation does not offer a viable solution.

Unlike insurances, dental savings plans are able to work unfettered. You pay for the services you want, and the yearly necessities are already covered by your premiums.

Pros and cons of dental savings programs

Keep in mind that dental savings plans, such as Limestone Dental’s own Savings Plan, are primarily designed to provide support to those who need it. They cannot be combined with existing insurance policies, which generally means that these types of programs should only be considered when options are unavailable from your employer or if you cannot afford high-premium plans as a self-employed worker.

However, after considering the costs that can rack up when paying for dental services outright, those that take advantage of a dental savings plan like this will absolutely see the difference in their wallet. In particular, the Savings Plan covers the full costs of necessary yearly cleanings and a handful of other services, while also providing percentage discounts on procedures such as veneers, fillings, and more.

The Savings Plan covers all of the following:

Two cleanings, two periodic exams and four cavity-detecting x-rays per year
Two fluoride treatments per year, up to age 17
One complete series or panoramic x-ray and one periodontal chart every five years
One problem-focused exam per year, with up to three periapical x-rays
Percentage-based discounts on services such as fillings, veneers, sealants, bleaching, nightguards, and more

The Savings Plan Advantage

There are a few additional advantages the Savings Plan has over health insurance. One of which is that those who opt for the direct plan never have to face the worry of deductibles and yearly maximums, nor do they have to fear any waiting periods as the services become immediately available upon the first payment. Participants who wish to opt out of the dental savings service can do so at any time, without having to pay a penalty or fee.

Those suffering from any pre-existing conditions that would have otherwise made coverage difficult or costly will not find this with the Savings Plan. All patients are accepted upon the first payment, and there are no pre-authorization requirements. Each of the available services are perfectly laid out with their costs, so there are no hidden fees. And each plan is designed to fit the needs of the person who is covered, providing care for singles, couples, and families with children.

Other important factors to consider

Keep in mind that, because affordable dental plans like the Savings Plan are not an insurance coverage, these options are only available at Limestone Dental Associates. It also cannot be combined with any other third-party savings offers, and your yearly premiums must be paid in full by either cash, check, or money order. If you cancel out of your savings plan early, you will not be reimbursed for any services not rendered and no refunds of any kind.

That being said, by being part of the Limestone Dental Associates’ Savings Plan and paying your yearly premiums early, you can see a 5% discount on your next yearly bill. Every little bit helps, especially when it comes to the health and maintenance of your teeth! Our dental professionals can answer any additional questions you may have regarding the Savings Plan.

If you are looking for the ideal dental solution at a rate that you can afford, the Limestone Dental Associates’ Savings Plan may be the perfect fit for you! For more information about our available plans, please call us today at 302-239-0502 for more information.

Posted on March 3, 2018August 31, 2018 by Matt Baran

Reinvent Your Smile

Have you ever seen a restored antique car? The before and after images are remarkable. Before the car is often rusty, with chipped paint, and broken parts, after the car has a gleaming paint job and in working condition. Car restoration is careful work; it means patience, skill, and knowledge. But the outcomes are unbelievable.

Porcelain veneers can have a similar effect on your teeth. Teeth are susceptible to staining, chipping, and other “wear and tear.” Just like antique cars they may need to be restored to their original gleaming beauty.

Make your teeth new again with porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers could be your path to a beautiful smile. This is the perfect treatment for people with teeth that are stained, chipped or have gaps. Since this is a permanent treatment, it’s important to have all the information about this treatment option.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), a veneer is a “thin piece of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel.” These veneers are custom made to the contour of your teeth and are bonded to the tooth’s original enamel during a series of in-office procedures.

Four Ways Porcelain Veneers Reinvent Your Smile

It’s no secret that as we age and grow we are constantly reinventing ourselves, our smiles are no exception to this reinvention. This is especially true when your smile reveals cracked or stained teeth.

This is where porcelain veneers come into play. They provide a simple solution to reinvent your smile in multiple ways without needing various different procedures. Here are four ways that porcelain veneers can reinvent your smile.

Whiter, Brighter Smile. An unfortunate reality of our society is that we love to eat and drink things that stain our teeth. After years of drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes, or eating highly pigmented foods your teeth may be an unattractive shade of yellow or brown. If you’re looking for an easy way to whiten your smile for good, veneers may be a good fit for you. According to the National Institutes of Health veneers are largely stain-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about discoloration or needing to have your veneers whitened.
Disguises a Crooked Smile. Slightly crooked or gapped teeth are usually treated with braces or other orthodontic treatments, but most adults with crooked teeth do nothing because they don’t want to go through the embarrassment of braces. Fortunately, these problems can be helped with veneers as well. Veneers are attached to the front surfaces of your teeth – so although they don’t change their positions, they do camouflage minor orthodontic problems once they’re applied. Your natural teeth may still be gapped or crooked, but nobody will know aside from you and your dentist.
Natural Looking Smile. Everyone wants their smile to look natural. When applied well porcelain veneers provide a smile that is both beautiful and natural looking. Since veneers are individually sculpted for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and natural teeth. That’s also why it is so important to find the best cosmetic dentist possible when you choose veneers, the better the dentist, the more natural the results.
A Stronger Smile. Enamel is strong, but not indestructible. Your enamel may still be worn down from overzealous tooth brushing or eaten away by highly acidic foods and drinks. While enamel cannot grow back it can be replaced. Veneers are an excellent treatment for teeth with enamel abrasion or enamel erosion. One of the most notable characteristics of porcelain veneers is their sheer ability to withstand years of wear and tear even though they are composed of the thinnest dental porcelain. Even though porcelain veneers are super-thin, they are also incredibly strong. The composition of veneers makes them resistant to developing chips and cracks.

These are just a few of the many ways that porcelain veneers can restore and reinvent your smile.

If you think porcelain veneers are for you or are interested in more information contact Limestone Dental Associates to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you reinvent your smile.

Posted on February 17, 2018August 31, 2018 by Matt Baran

Orthodontics are no longer the scary, taboo tale of old. With an Invisalign dentist, you can take back the confidence you had in your smile without the use of scary headgear!

Do you remember when you were a child, and you would notice when another student would enter a classroom with bulky, unsightly headgear with the sole purpose of straightening teeth? With an Invisalign dentist, your fears of orthodontic procedures can be over! These braces are designed with your physical (and mental) health in mind, keeping your smile a confident fixture on your face. Here are some of the benefits that can positively impact you with the use of Invisalign braces.

5 Benefits Provided By an Invisalign Dentist

No more obnoxious headgear
The technology used to create braces has vastly improved since their inception, and Invisalign is a sure beneficiary of this. The once-dreaded headgear has been mostly retired, with many people opting for Invisalign clear braces that are virtually invisible. Not only will you be able to avoid the hassles that come with maintaining metal-based braces, you will also be able to feel like you can share your grin again without fear or judgment from others.
Invisalign is customized for each mouth
An Invisalign dentist can custom-fit each set of braces for each individual mouth, using the “invisible” plastic braces that fit perfectly over your teeth. They are designed to fit the contours of your teeth while helping to shift them into a more natural position. Just like the standard braces, the custom nature of each set allows for a more comfortable experience, while removing the necessity for bands and metal.
Removable aligners make it easier to eat, brush and more
One reason why many try to purposefully steer away from braces, despite their health benefits, is how limiting they can be when attempting to eat food. This is no longer the case with Invisalign. The aligners used in each set can be removed at any time, so you can do your normal eating activities and perform the daily maintenance of brushing and flossing. Keep in mind that you should only do this for short periods of time, so the invisible braces can remain effective throughout the process.
Easy to track results
Invisalign does what most clear braces manufactures do not – they track your alignment progress through the use of smart technology. With programs like Invisalign Assist, you can use the Progress Tracking tool that helps identify teeth that are not moving as scheduled and helps to build on the next pair of aligners that you will receive. Even without such a program, the Invisalign clear aligners can physically show the status of your teeth while inside and outside of your mouth.
Faster Results
Traditional braces can take up to 36 months to complete treatment. With Invisalign, treatment time can be as short as 4 to 6 months and as long as 24 months. Invisalign clear aligners longest treatment time is still half the time it takes with conventional braces. You get the smile you’ve always wanted in a shorter amount of time.

Our dental professionals are looking forward to bringing you the best an Invisalign dentist can bring! If you’re looking for more information about our experiences and policies, please call us today at 302-239-0502 for more information.

Posted on February 15, 2018August 31, 2018 by Matt Baran

Tooth decay is incredibly common but also very avoidable!

Dental care statistics don’t paint a pretty picture. 92% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have had a cavity, while 26% suffer from untreated tooth decay. An indicator of overall dental health, tooth decay can be caused by diet, hygiene habits, genetic predisposition, or lack of ongoing preventive care (regular dental check-ups). So what can the average person do insofar as dental care tips to prevent tooth decay?

Our answer to that question goes back to the causes of tooth decay. While there’s nothing any of us can do about our genetic predisposition, the good news is that prevention of tooth decay depends on personal care and habits.These dental care tips at home can help you and your kids to become more aware of the factors leading to dental decay, and how to make the best of your dental toolbox!

3 Dental Care Tips To a Healthier Smile

Tip 1: Be aware of the foods and drinks that can hurt teeth

This isn’t to say these foods should be eliminated wholesale. What we suggest is that, especially for the dental care of a child (whose development is still in process,) families make an effort to teach about a teeth-friendly diet.

Acidic foods. Lemons and tomatoes and other foods high in acid can make your teeth susceptible to decay over time. Accompany your meal with plenty of water to wash the acids from your teeth.
Crunchy snacks, like chips. These types of snacks are filled with starch and simple sugars which can wreak havoc on your teeth. When you decide to indulge, be sure to brush and floss afterwards to remove the particles from your teeth.
Soda is your teeth’s worst enemy. This fizzy, acidic liquid dissolves your tooth enamel over time. Save it for special occasions and when you do drink, wash it down with water to minimize its effects.

Tip 2: Practice regular dental hygiene

The keyword here is regular; what you do every day is more impactful than what you do once in a while. When brushing, understand that rigor is not the measure of quality. In fact, vigorous brushing can wear away at your enamel if it has been compromised by bacteria. Try dividing your mouth into four sections and spending about 30 seconds on each. Hitting the hard-to-reach areas is key to discouraging plaque buildup.

Flossing may be even more important than brushing because it removes plaque from in between your teeth—where your brush can’t reach. Gently rub the floss against each tooth side in the gap. Be sure to wash off the plaque (if you’re using flossing picks) or use a new section of it for the next gap to avoid simply transporting the plaque from one area to another in your mouth. Flossing is your greatest shield against periodontitis, the #1 cause of tooth loss. It’s worth taking the less than two minutes a day to do it.

Tip 3: Make biannual dental check-ups a priority

These check-ups serve several purposes. Beyond being a checkup on your dental health, they also give your dentist the opportunity to clean your teeth of the plaque you can’t remove through brushing and flossing. Plaque is connected to systemic inflammation in your body. If it is allowed to build up, plaque activates the immune system chronically, causing premature aging. A regular dentist appointment gives you the chance to reduce inflammation, monitor the processes going on inside your mouth, and give it a thorough clean!

Personal care makes a big difference.

If we could highlight just one takeaway from these dental care tips, it’s that what you do every day matters. You can promote better dental health through your diet and hygiene practices. While dental caries are unfortunately common, it certainly doesn’t have to be that way. At Limestone Dental, we are strong believers in the ability of education to change people’s lives and improve personal health.

Get more dental care tips for kids at your child’s next pediatric dental appointment. You can give us a call at 302-239-0502 to schedule your next appointment with us at Limestone Dental! Or, click here to learn more about how to become a patient.

Posted on January 24, 2018August 31, 2018 by Matt Baran

Cosmetic dentistry can be a valuable asset for your daily life, with services such as mouth restoration, tooth recontouring, and more. See how you can change your smile!

Confidence, charisma, and a bright smile—these tools can make all the difference in your daily life. Limestone Dental Associates cannot teach you the tenets of comedy (even if our dental professionals are quite well-humored,) but our cosmetic dentistry services can highlight and improve on the best parts of your grin! Whether you are preparing for your next big job interview or wanting to make a lasting impression on a first date, you can see how these services will leave an impact!

4 Services Of Cosmetic Dentistry that Can Improve Your Life

Dental Implants
Dental implants can be a beautiful addition to any smile! The implants serve to replace missing teeth by creating a post within your mouth, which can be mounted with correctly-sized teeth to create a comprehensive set. One of the advantages of choosing dental implants as a procedure is the lack of necessity for preparing any adjacent teeth, so the focus remains solely on the newly-added teeth.
Invisalign
Worried about the stresses that come with wearing braces, such as unsightliness or intense maintenance? One of our more popular cosmetic dentistry services (and also falls under orthodontics) includes Invisalign, the “invisible” plastic aligners that fit perfectly over your teeth. Invisalign braces are customized to fit the contours of your teeth, while helping to shift them into a more natural position. Their lack of visibility allows you to go through your day with an unhindered smile, and no worries on how you may look! And never fear over cost—we offer an affordable Savings Plan for those lacking the insurance to cover the bills.
Veneers
Sometimes the shape of our teeth doesn’t line up with our expectations, which is why veneers can change your mouth game. Veneers provide a porcelain layer to your natural teeth, which provides both an increase in strength and form. While these alterations are more on the milder side, they can be incredibly important for teeth that may have been chipped from an accident. Plus, you can receive a 10% discount on veneer services with the Limestone Dental Associates’ Smile Plan!
Teeth Whitening
If you have ever looked at a celebrity and wondered how they were able to maintain a healthy, white beam to their smirks, it is most likely because they have taken advantage of teeth whitening services. Our office offers multiple options on this front, including ZOOM! in-office treatments, bleaching, or any of our at-home options. Once you have completed your sessions, you will notice a visible difference in the whiteness of your teeth, improving as much as multiple shades!

We work hard to provide the best services from our dental professionals, and our cosmetic dentistry services are some of the best in our area! If you’re looking for more information about our experiences and policies, please call us today at 302-239-0502 for more information.

Posted on November 22, 2017July 31, 2018 by Matt Baran

Every November we take an entire Thursday to give thanks, spend time with friends and family, and eat.

And eat, and eat. There’s also a tradition of sharing everything that you’re appreciative of. As you go around the dinner table sharing what you’re thankful for this Thanksgiving, let our Wilmington dental office give you a few reasons why your teeth should be on that list.

Let’s Eat!

Since we are close to Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving means a lot of delicious food, we wanted to start with a reason you should give thanks to your teeth that relates to the occasion. Our teeth help us chew all of those treats spread across the dinner table. Certain types of teeth even have different purposes. The incisors (the front four teeth on top and front four on the bottom) start the process by biting off bits of food. The canines rip and tear while the molars mash, crush, and chew. Our full set of teeth work together to allow us to enjoy as much Thanksgiving food as we (or our pants) can handle.

Talk It Out

Our teeth not only help us eat, they also aid in helping us speak and pronounce words properly. Teeth allow us to form certain sounds and without them, we’d have a difficult time pronouncing any word that contains an ‘f,’ ‘v,’ ‘s,’ ‘th,’ or countless other sounds. When people have difficulty forming certain words or sounds, they may be helped by their dentist in Wilmington, orthodontics, and a speech therapist.

Let Me Digest That

The digestion process is crucial in how our bodies function as proper digestion allows you to absorb all the nutrients and energize your body. While many may think digestion begins in the stomach, the truth is it begins in your mouth. While chewing, your mouth releases saliva. This saliva contains enzymes that begins the breakdown of food and starts the digestion process. This means chewing your food properly can aid in proper digestion and healthier body.

Smile, You’ll Feel Better

Research has supported a strong link between smiling and a boost in mood and reduction in stress. But not just any smile will do. A big smile that activates the muscles around the eyes is key to getting these mood-enhancing effects. If you’re someone who tends to hide your teeth behind a tight lipped grin because you don’t like your smile, consider cosmetic dentistry to transform both your smile and your mood.

Everyone at our dental office in Wilmington wishes you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving!

Posted on November 15, 2017August 10, 2018 by Matt Baran

‘Tis the season of sniffles and coughs, body aches and congestion.

It’s officially the time of year when the flu can make for a miserable few days. But it doesn’t have to take its toll on you or your family. Our dental office in Wilmington is here to help you prevent the flu this season with some helpful tips.

Keep Your Hands Clean

This tried and true life lesson is probably one of the best ways to avoid the flu or the common cold. Make sure you wash your hands with warm, soapy water before meals, after using the restroom, or following shaking hands with another person. If soap and water isn’t readily available use an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Protect Your Toothbrush

It may sound gross, but your toothbrush can harbor all sorts of germs. That’s why it’s important to take proper care of it. Thoroughly rinse your brush after each use, and make sure you store it in an upright position. Keep family members’ toothbrushes separated from each other to avoid cross contamination. And of course, never share your toothbrush.

Stay Hydrated

A body that’s hydrated it also better at fighting off germs and bacteria since it’s operating optimally. It’s recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, but during flu season you may consider increasing your intake. Drinking plenty of H20 is not only great for your body, but it’s good for your oral health, too.

Sanitize Your Space

Whether it’s your home or your office, having the areas where you spend the most time clean and sanitary is key to keeping germs away. Pay attention to things that get touched the most — doorknobs, your computer mouse, faucets, and toilets. Germs are invisible to the naked eye, so even if it seems clean it can’t hurt to give it a quick wipe down.

Avoid Touching Your Face

The CDC states that one of the most common ways germs are spread is by touching a contaminated surface then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. These body parts have mucus that can easily transport germs into the body and make you sick.

Following this these tips can go a long way in helping you prevent getting knocked down from the flu. However, if you happen to catch the bug, our Wilmington dental office encourages you to use sugar-free medicines to help alleviate your symptoms. Not only will these medications help you feel a bit better, they’re safer for your teeth, too.

As always, having a healthy mouth can directly impact how healthy you are overall. Make sure you brush and floss every day and maintain visits with your dentist in Wilmington at least every six months.

Posted on October 31, 2017August 10, 2018 by Matt Baran

Root canals have an unnecessarily bad reputation of being painful, which causes many people to be afraid of the treatment.

However, the team at our dental office in Wilmington wants to ease any concerns you may have about root canals and hopefully relieve any apprehension.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

There’s been a lot of talk surrounding just how terrible a root canal is when, in fact, advancements in dental technology have made them virtually pain free. If your dentist in Wilmington recommends a root canal, it’s most likely because you’re experiencing pain caused by deep decay or a severe infection. A root canal treatment can actually make that pain go away so you can finally get relief.

So, What Exactly is a Root Canal?

The name of the treatment itself isn’t necessarily descriptive of the actual procedure, so let’s take a look at how a root canal is typically done. Your dentist will:

Numb the area to reduce any discomfort.

Make a tiny hole in the tooth.

Gain access to the inside of the tooth. This is where the the pulp chamber and canals are located. Inside the canals, nerves, pulp, and blood vessels are found.

Clean out all of the canal contents.

Seal the pulp chamber and canals.

Place a dental crown restoration to protect the tooth.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Besides the obvious sign of tooth pain, there are other symptoms that may warrant a root canal including:

Gum pain and swelling
A pimple-like bump on the gums by the painful tooth
Tooth discoloration
Worse pain when chewing or applying pressure
Hot/cold sensitivity that doesn’t go away once the food or drink is removed

Notice any of the symptoms listed above? We encourage you to call our dental office in Wilmington to schedule an appointment. A thorough examination by our caring and gentle dental team will help us identify the cause of your problem and recommend the best treatment for you. If the appropriate solution is in fact a root canal, we assure you that you have nothing to fear.

Posted on October 17, 2017August 10, 2018 by Matt Baran

With Halloween just around the corner, we hope all of our patients and neighbors are ready for a night of ghouls and ghosts, witches and wizards, and tricks or treats.

When it comes to those treats, the team at our dental office in Wilmington has a few pointers for what may be best left behind, especially for those who wear braces. Check out our guide to braces-friendly candy below.

Best Choices

Chocolate Bars – You can’t go wrong with some pure, delicious chocolate. Whether you choose a candy bar or perhaps a Hershey’s Kiss, chocolate dissolves quickly and is safe for braces. If you’re lucky enough to score a full-size candy bar, we encourage you to cut it up into smaller pieces to reduce the risk of damaging the braces on your front teeth as you bite into it.

Peanut Butter Cups – Another scrumptious yet safe option for braces are peanut butter cups. Their smooth consistency makes chewing very easy with really no concern of breaking a bracket or wire.

Milky Ways – Although these candy bars contain caramel (more on that in a bit), Milky Ways are still soft enough for braces wearers to enjoy.

Important Note: All of these options are safe as long as they’re not frozen. Frozen chocolate bars and peanut butter cups make the texture too hard to bite and chew safely.

Worst Choices

Hard Candy – Candy that falls under this category can be both all right for braces and potentially damaging. Hard candies that allow you to suck on them over time, reducing their size and making them less dangerous for braces, may be ok to enjoy. However, it increases the time your teeth are exposed to the sugar which may put you at greater risk for decay.

Gooey Gum – When you first got your braces you were probably told to avoid gum. That rule doesn’t change during Halloween. Chewing gum can bend your wires, and that’s particularly concerning. When a wire is placed by your doctor, it’s put on in such a way that gently moves your teeth into the desired position. However, if the wire bends, your teeth tend to follow the direction of the wire instead of its original path. This can actually prolong treatment.

Sticky Sweets – Things like caramels, gummies, taffy, and similar candies are almost sure to cause some trouble. Sticky sweets and their tacky consistency not only tend to bend wires, they’re also bad for your teeth in general. The stickiness allows the sugars to stay attached to teeth longer, again increasing your risk for decay.

Important Note: When in doubt, if it’s sticky, hard, or super chewy, it’s best to choose another option.

In order to keep your braces in tip-top shape and to avoid any broken brackets, bent wires, or other complications, it’s wise to listen to your dentist in Wilmington about which foods are safe for braces. Halloween candy is no exception. Following the guide of braces-friendly candy can protect your braces and help you avoid an emergency dental appointment.

Posted on September 27, 2017August 10, 2018 by Matt Baran

When we spend as much time as we do at work doing similar responsibilities every day, we are bound to develop habits.

Some workplace habits like diligently checking emails or reserving a block of uninterrupted time to get work done can be beneficial and make for an efficient employee. However, other things we tend to do at work can be harmful to our teeth. Our dental office in Wilmington would like to highlight a few of the most common workplace habits that may be damaging your smile.

Taking Smoke Breaks

Smoking, as well as using smokeless tobacco, can lead to very serious health problems. Some of which can be life threatening. These habits can also contribute to several oral health concerns ranging from minor problems like tooth discoloration and bad breath to very serious issues including gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Smoking can be a very difficult habit to break, but instead of stepping outside to light up, consider chewing sugarless gum and talk with your doctor about ways to quit.

Not Brushing Your Teeth

We believe that everyone should keep a toothbrush and toothpaste in their desk drawer for use in between snacking and lunchtime. When we eat, the bacteria that live in our mouths begin to feed on the tiny foodstuffs left behind. As a result, these bacteria release acid. When the acid isn’t rinsed away by either saliva or through a proper brushing, it’s left to eat away at enamel. Enamel is designed to protect teeth from decay and once it’s gone, we’re left at increased risk for cavities.

Chewing on Pens

Chewing on the tips of pens or pencils is incredibly common among office employees and even children in school. We typically put pens in our mouths during times of intense thought, boredom, or stress. Sometimes we aren’t even aware we’re doing it. But nibbling on these tough writing utensils can cause some serious damage. Biting on pens or pencils has a tendency to lead to cracked, chipped, or broken teeth that will require restorative dentistry treatment from your Wilmington dentist to fix.

Not Using the Right Tools for the Job

Whether you’re trying to open packaging that may be sealed a bit too well, or you need to rip a piece of tape off the roll, you should always use tools meant for these purposes like scissors, not your teeth. Teeth are meant to help us chew food to make it easy to swallow and digest. They aren’t designed to grab and rip or cut. Using teeth as tools can result in damage like cracked or broken teeth.

Recognizing the habits that can lead to tooth damage can help us realize when we’re putting our smiles at risk. If you find yourself doing any of the habits, our Wilmington dental office is here to help you stop or fix any problems you may have as a result.

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