10 Everyday Habits That Are Damaging Your Teeth

Everyday routines can wear on your teeth little by little. Things like chewing ice, sipping sweet drinks for hours, clenching your jaw, or brushing too hard can all leave a mark over time. Because those habits are so easy to repeat, they can become part of your day before you ever connect them with sensitivity, wear, or a chipped tooth.

At Serenity Dental Studio in Frisco, Dr. Rita Kengskool sees how daily habits can show up in the mouth over time. A worn edge, a new area of sensitivity, irritated gums, or another cavity may have something to do with what is happening between dental visits. Once you spot the habit, though, a small change can make a real difference.

Some habits increase the risk of cavities, while others wear enamel, irritate the gums, or put too much pressure on a tooth. A few can affect several things at once. Here are ten everyday habits worth paying attention to:

1. Chewing Ice

Chewing the leftover ice in your drink puts a lot of pressure on your teeth. Ice is hard enough to chip enamel, crack a filling, or break a tooth, and the risk goes up if the tooth already has a large restoration or a small fracture.

Sometimes the damage is obvious right away. Other times, you may notice later that a tooth suddenly hurts when you bite or feels sensitive to cold. Either way, crunching through ice adds stress your teeth can do without.

If you like the cold, let the ice melt or stick with chilled water. You still get the cold drink without putting the same force on your teeth over and over.

2. Using Your Teeth to Open or Hold Things

A package will not tear, your hands are full, or there is a stubborn plastic tag that needs to come off. It is easy to use your teeth for a second and move on. However, one awkward pull can chip a front tooth or put enough force on an existing filling or crown to damage it.

People also hold pins, pens, fishing line, clothing tags, and all sorts of other things between their teeth while they work. That repeated pressure can wear small areas of enamel or create little fractures along an edge. Front teeth handle food well, but twisting and pulling objects puts a very different kind of force on them.

So, grab the scissors or free up a hand before using your teeth as a tool. It takes a few extra seconds and may save you from repairing a healthy tooth later.

3. Brushing Too Hard

Brushing twice a day helps remove plaque and protect your gums, but too much pressure can create problems of its own. Scrubbing hard can irritate the gums and contribute to wear along exposed root surfaces over time. Meanwhile, the extra force does not remove plaque any better.

A soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure are usually enough. Think about guiding the bristles along the teeth and gumline instead of scrubbing back and forth as hard as you can. If the bristles on your toothbrush flare outward quickly, that may be a sign you are pressing harder than you need to.

An electric toothbrush can also help if yours has a pressure sensor. Many models alert you when you are bearing down too much, which can make it easier to change the habit.

4. Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth

Clenching and grinding can put a surprising amount of force on the teeth. Some people grind while they sleep, while others catch themselves clenching at a computer, in traffic, during a workout, or when they are concentrating.

Over time, those forces can flatten biting edges, wear enamel, chip teeth, crack restorations, and leave the jaw muscles feeling tired or sore. You may also notice morning headaches or teeth that have become more sensitive. Since nighttime grinding happens while you are asleep, the wear on your teeth may be the first clue.

If we see signs of grinding during an exam, we can talk about whether a nightguard would help protect your teeth. During the day, noticing when your teeth are clenched can also help you relax your jaw more often.

5. Sipping Sugary Drinks for Hours

How often your teeth are exposed to sugar can make a big difference. Every time you take another sip of soda, sweet tea, flavored coffee, an energy drink, or another sugary beverage, bacteria in the mouth get another supply of sugar and produce acids that contribute to tooth decay.

Finishing a sweet drink with a meal gives your mouth more time to recover afterward. Carrying the same drink around and taking small sips all afternoon keeps restarting the acid exposure. Even a drink that does not taste very sweet may contain enough sugar to contribute to the problem.

If you enjoy one, try to drink it within a shorter period rather than stretching it across several hours. Then switch back to water, which helps rinse the mouth without adding another round of sugar.

6. Drinking Acidic Beverages Throughout the Day

Acidic drinks can gradually wear away enamel when your teeth are exposed to them often. Soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, citrus drinks, and many flavored beverages can all contribute to erosion over time.

As enamel gets thinner, you may notice sensitivity, smoother or flatter areas on the teeth, or changes around the biting edges. Frequent exposure is the bigger issue, which is why slowly sipping an acidic drink all day can be rough on your teeth. Meanwhile, water gives your mouth a break between meals and drinks.

If you do have something acidic, drinking water afterward can help rinse the mouth. Also, avoid holding or swishing acidic drinks around your teeth before swallowing.

7. Snacking All Day

Frequent snacking gives cavity-causing bacteria repeated access to carbohydrates. Crackers, chips, cookies, dried fruit, candy, and other snack foods can all break down into sugars that feed those bacteria.

After you eat, bacteria in plaque produce acids. Your saliva helps the mouth recover between meals, but constant grazing shortens those recovery periods. So, how often you snack can affect your cavity risk along with what you are eating.

If you are hungry between meals, foods such as cheese, nuts, vegetables, or other lower-sugar choices can be easier on the teeth. Drinking water with your snack also helps clear food from the mouth afterward.

8. Biting Your Nails or Chewing on Pens

Nail biting often happens without much thought. Pen caps and pencils can become the same kind of habit when you are working, studying, or thinking. Over time, your front teeth end up taking pressure in the same spots again and again.

That repeated force can contribute to small chips, worn edges, or cracks. Nail biting can also keep the jaw in an awkward position for longer periods, which may bother the jaw muscles or joints for some people. Meanwhile, the habit can be easy to miss because it often happens while your attention is somewhere else.

Pay attention to when you tend to do it. Maybe it happens during work, while driving, or when you are concentrating. Once you notice the pattern, it becomes easier to replace the habit with something that keeps your teeth out of it.

9. Skipping the Spaces Between Your Teeth

A toothbrush cleans a lot of tooth surface, but the spaces between neighboring teeth need their own attention. Plaque and food can stay tucked between those contacts, which is why cavities and gum inflammation often develop where you cannot easily see them.

Cleaning between the teeth once a day helps remove that buildup. Floss works well for many people, but interdental brushes, floss holders, or water flossers may be easier depending on your teeth, dexterity, bridges, or orthodontic work.

What matters most is using a method you can handle consistently and correctly. If flossing feels awkward or you are unsure which tool fits your mouth best, bring it up at your next visit and we can help you find one that feels manageable.

10. Going to Bed Without Brushing

A lot can collect on your teeth over the course of a day. Plaque, food particles, and sugar from meals and snacks can still be sitting around the gumline and between teeth when you head to bed.

Saliva flow drops while you sleep, so the mouth has less natural rinsing action overnight. If you go to bed after an evening snack, dessert, soda, or sweetened drink without brushing, that residue can stay around the teeth for hours.

A good nighttime brushing routine helps clear away the day before that long stretch of sleep. Brush for about two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth once a day as well. If you are going to skip a brushing session, we would say, “Brush at night to keep your teeth, brush in the morning to keep your friends.”

Small Habits Can Add Up Over Time

A lot of these habits seem minor because the effects can build slowly. One piece of ice may not chip a tooth, and one afternoon of sipping sweet coffee will not create a cavity by dinner. Repetition is what starts to add up.

Do something every day for months or years, and your teeth keep taking the same exposure or pressure. A little wear can become a chipped edge, gum irritation can become more noticeable, and repeated acid exposure can start changing the enamel. Meanwhile, the habit itself may feel so normal that you barely think about it.

You do not have to change everything at once. Pick the habit that sounds most familiar and start there. Once that change feels normal, you can move on to another one.

Pay Attention When Your Teeth Start Feeling Different

Your mouth often gives you clues when something has changed. New sensitivity, a rough edge, pain when you bite, bleeding gums, or a tooth that suddenly feels different are all good reasons to have the area checked.

Sometimes we find a small issue that is easier to deal with sooner. A worn area may point us toward grinding, while recurring cavities may lead us to look more closely at snacking or drinks. Those details can help us protect the teeth you already have and make the next steps more specific to you.

Regular exams give Dr. Kengskool a chance to watch for those changes before they become more noticeable. If we see a pattern, we can talk about what may be contributing to it and what you can change at home.

Healthier Everyday Habits at Serenity Dental Studio in Frisco, TX

At Serenity Dental Studio in Frisco, Dr. Rita Kengskool and our team want your dental routine to fit into real life. Sometimes protecting your teeth means brushing a little more gently, switching what you sip during the afternoon, or finally retiring the habit of crunching through the ice at the bottom of your cup.

If you have noticed sensitivity, worn teeth, small chips, bleeding gums, or another change, schedule a visit and let us take a look. We can see what is happening, talk through any habits that may be contributing, and give you a few realistic ways to protect your teeth going forward. We look forward to seeing you at Serenity Dental Studio!

July 20, 2026

Back-to-School Dental Checklist for Families in Frisco

The start of a new school year brings plenty of moving parts. Families are shopping for supplies, checking schedules, replacing outgrown clothes, and figuring out how early everyone needs to leave the house. In the middle of all that planning, dental care can easily slip a few lines down the list.

Still, a healthy smile can make the school year easier. A toothache can interrupt sleep, make it harder to focus in class, and turn an ordinary weekday into a last-minute appointment. Meanwhile, smaller concerns such as sensitivity, worn dental work, or irritated gums are much easier to handle before sports, homework, and after-school activities fill the calendar.

At Serenity Dental Studio in Frisco, TX, Dr. Rita Kengskool helps children, teens, and parents prepare for the school year with practical preventive care. A back-to-school dental checklist does not need to be long or complicated. It simply gives families a few useful things to review before the routine gets busy again.

Start With a Dental Exam and Cleaning

A routine dental visit is a good place to begin because it gives Dr. Kengskool a chance to check for cavities, gum irritation, worn dental work, and other concerns that may not be causing pain yet. The dental team can also remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing may leave behind. For families, that means starting the school year with a clearer picture of everyone’s dental health.

Scheduling before school begins can make the timing easier. There is less need to pull a child out of class, rearrange work meetings, or squeeze an appointment between practice and homework. If treatment is needed, there may also be more room to complete it before the first busy weeks of the semester.

Not every family can fit dental visits into the final days of summer, and that is fine. An appointment early in the school year can still help prevent a small concern from becoming a classroom distraction. The important part is getting routine care back onto the calendar before it disappears behind everything else.

Take Care of Small Problems Before They Interrupt the School Day

Small cavities often do not cause obvious symptoms. A child may eat, sleep, and brush normally while decay develops between teeth or in the grooves of a back molar. That is one reason regular exams and dental X-rays, when appropriate, remain useful.

When a cavity is found early, treatment is often simpler. Waiting may allow the decay to spread deeper into the tooth, which can lead to sensitivity, pain, or a larger repair. Once school is underway, that can mean missed class time and a much less convenient appointment.

The same goes for older fillings, crowns, sealants, retainers, and other dental work. A rough filling edge may begin catching food, or a retainer may no longer fit the way it did at the end of the previous school year. These concerns may seem small, but checking them now can prevent an inconvenient surprise later.

Parents should also listen when a child says a tooth feels strange, hurts with sweets, or bothers them while chewing. Children do not always describe dental discomfort clearly, so even a brief comment may be worth mentioning. Dr. Kengskool can take a closer look and help determine whether the area needs treatment or simply monitoring.

Reset the Morning and Evening Brushing Routine

Summer schedules tend to drift. Bedtimes get later, breakfast happens at different hours, and brushing may turn into something everyone remembers while already heading out the door. As school approaches, it helps to put brushing back into a predictable place in the day.

For many families, brushing after breakfast works well. Others find it easier to brush shortly after waking, especially when mornings are rushed. The best routine is the one that happens consistently and gives each family member enough time to clean all tooth surfaces.

Evening brushing deserves just as much attention because plaque and food can remain on the teeth overnight. Connecting brushing with another regular activity, such as changing into pajamas or setting the alarm, can make it easier to remember. Younger children may still need help reaching the back teeth or slowing down enough to brush thoroughly.

Flossing should return to the routine as well. Once teeth touch closely together, brushing alone cannot fully clean between them. Floss picks, string floss, interdental brushes, and water flossers can all work, depending on the child’s age and dental needs.

Replace Worn Toothbrushes and Check Dental Supplies

The beginning of the school year is a simple reminder to replace old toothbrushes or electric brush heads. Bristles become bent and less effective over time, especially when children brush with heavy pressure. If a toothbrush looks flattened or frayed, it is probably ready to retire.

A soft-bristled toothbrush with a comfortable handle works well for many children and adults. For younger children, the brush head should be small enough to reach the back teeth without feeling bulky. A toothbrush does not need flashing lights or an app to work well, although anything that keeps a child brushing for the full two minutes can certainly earn its place on the bathroom counter.

Families should also check toothpaste, floss, orthodontic wax, retainer cases, and any other supplies used regularly. Replacing these items now is easier than discovering an empty toothpaste tube during a rushed Monday morning. Keeping the basics stocked removes one more excuse when the routine is already moving at full speed.

Review Lunchbox Snacks and Drinks

School lunches and snacks have a long afternoon ahead of them. Sticky foods, sugary drinks, and frequent grazing can keep teeth exposed to sugar and acid for hours at a time. A better mix gives kids steady energy for class and activities while giving their teeth a break between bites.

Cheese, yogurt, fresh fruit, vegetables, and balanced sandwiches can all fit into a tooth-friendly lunch. Water is usually the best everyday drink because it rinses the mouth without adding sugar. Milk may also be a good option, depending on the child’s needs and school setup.

Sticky fruit snacks, chewy candy, and sweetened drinks are better kept as occasional choices rather than daily lunchbox staples. They tend to cling to the teeth or create repeated sugar exposure. A lunch should help a child get through the afternoon, not leave the molars working on the same snack until dinner.

Once practices begin, it also helps to take a closer look at sports drinks. Many contain both sugar and acid, and frequent sipping can increase the risk of decay and enamel wear. Water is usually the better everyday choice, while sports drinks may be more appropriate during long or intense activity.

Check Mouthguards, Retainers, and Braces Supplies

Children and teens who play contact sports should have a properly fitting mouthguard. Football, basketball, soccer, martial arts, hockey, and many other activities can involve contact with another player, equipment, or the ground. A mouthguard helps protect the teeth and surrounding tissues when those collisions happen.

A mouthguard is most useful when it fits securely and feels comfortable enough to wear. One that feels loose or bulky may make speaking difficult and is more likely to stay in the gym bag. Dr. Kengskool can check whether an existing mouthguard still fits or whether a growing child needs a new one.

Retainers also deserve a quick review before school begins. Summer travel and changing routines can lead to less consistent wear, and a retainer that once fit easily may begin feeling tight. It should not be forced if it no longer fits comfortably, because the teeth may have shifted or the appliance may be damaged.

Students with braces may benefit from a small dental kit for school. Orthodontic wax, a travel toothbrush, flossing tools, and a small mirror can make an irritating wire or food caught around a bracket easier to manage. Keeping everything together in one case is much more practical than searching through the bottom of a backpack between classes.

Have a Plan for Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are not common, but school and sports create plenty of opportunities for falls, bumps, and sudden pain. Parents should know whom to call if a tooth breaks, becomes loose, or is knocked out. Saving the dental office number in your phone takes only a minute and can be helpful when everyone is upset.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, quick action matters. Handle the tooth by the crown rather than the root, and contact the dental office right away for instructions. Depending on the situation, the tooth may need to be gently rinsed and kept moist until the child receives care.

A chipped tooth, broken filling, or sudden toothache also deserves a call. Dr. Kengskool’s team can ask a few questions and help determine how quickly the child should be seen. Having a plan in place is much easier than searching for answers from the sidelines of a soccer field.

Remember That Parents Need Dental Care Too

Back-to-school planning often centers on children, but parents are working with the same crowded calendar. A family dental checklist works better when adults include themselves. After all, a parent with a toothache still has to manage pickups, meals, homework, and everything else already on the schedule.

Parents can use the season as a reminder to schedule their own cleanings and exams. It is also a good time to ask about bleeding gums, sensitivity, jaw tension, or older dental work that no longer feels quite right. Taking care of those concerns early may prevent an urgent visit later in the semester.

Children also notice how adults approach dental care. When they see parents treating checkups as a normal part of staying healthy, the habit feels more routine. There is no need for a long speech when the example is already clear.

What If Your Family Is Behind on Dental Visits?

Many families fall behind at some point. Moves, changing insurance, busy schedules, anxiety, and unexpected expenses can all interrupt routine care. Returning does not need to begin with an apology.

The first visit may include updated X-rays, a dental cleaning, and a careful exam. If there is heavier buildup or a concern that needs treatment, Dr. Kengskool can explain what she sees and what should happen next. The plan can then be broken into practical steps that fit the family’s schedule.

Getting back on track before or early in the school year can bring some welcome order to the calendar. Once everyone has been seen, future appointments become easier to plan. One completed visit is more useful than another month spent meaning to call.

Start the School Year With Serenity Dental Studio in Frisco

A back-to-school dental checklist is not about adding another complicated project to the family calendar. It is a way to handle a few practical details before school, sports, homework, and activities begin competing for every open hour. A routine exam, fresh supplies, and a dependable home-care routine can make dental health one less thing to worry about during the semester.

At Serenity Dental Studio in Frisco, TX, Dr. Rita Kengskool provides preventive and family dental care for children, teens, and adults. She can check for cavities, review gum health, examine existing dental work, and help families prepare for sports, orthodontic care, and changing routines. Her team can also answer the everyday questions that come with keeping several smiles on track.

Schedule your family’s back-to-school dental visits with Serenity Dental Studio before the calendar becomes even busier. Dr. Kengskool and her team can help address current concerns and build a realistic plan for the months ahead. A little preparation now can make the school year easier to manage.

October 16, 2025

The Role of Professional Cleanings in Preventing Gum Disease

Even with great brushing and flossing habits, there are places your toothbrush just can’t reach. Over time, bacteria build up along the gumline, turning into sticky plaque and hardened tartar. That buildup doesn’t just dull your smile—it’s the main cause of gum disease.

At Serenity Dental Studio in Frisco, Dr. Rita Kengskool and her team take prevention seriously. Regular professional cleanings are one of the most powerful ways to protect your gums, keep your mouth healthy, and even benefit your overall well-being.

How Gum Disease Begins

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, starts small. It usually begins with gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial plaque. Early signs include redness, swelling, or bleeding when you brush or floss.

If caught at this stage, it’s completely reversible with good home care and professional cleanings. But if left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a more serious condition where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that trap more bacteria. This can eventually lead to bone loss and, in advanced cases, tooth loss.

That’s why prevention and early detection are so important—once the damage begins, it’s much harder to reverse.

Why Regular Cleanings Make Such a Difference

Professional dental cleanings go far beyond what you can do at home. Our hygienists use specialized instruments to remove tartar (hardened plaque) that can’t be brushed or flossed away. Once tartar forms, it bonds tightly to tooth enamel and must be carefully scaled off to prevent gum irritation and infection.

Cleanings also include polishing to remove surface stains and smooth the tooth surface, making it harder for plaque to stick again. Your hygienist can also spot early warning signs of gum disease—like pockets forming or gum inflammation—long before they become painful or severe.

And because gum health is closely linked to heart health, diabetes management, and even pregnancy outcomes, keeping your gums healthy helps support your overall wellness too.

How Often Should You Schedule a Cleaning?

For most people, cleanings every six months are ideal to keep gums healthy and prevent tartar buildup. However, patients with early signs of gum disease or a history of periodontitis may benefit from more frequent cleanings—every three to four months—to maintain stability and prevent flare-ups.

During your visits, Dr. Kengskool and her team tailor recommendations to your individual needs. No two smiles are the same, and your oral health plan shouldn’t be either.

Healthy Gums Start at Serenity Dental Studio in Frisco

Gum disease develops quietly, but regular professional cleanings help stop it before it starts. At Serenity Dental Studio, our gentle, preventive approach focuses on keeping your mouth healthy and your smile bright—without the stress.

If it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning, there’s no better time to schedule one. Call our Frisco office today to book your next visit and take an easy, meaningful step toward lifelong gum health.

September 5, 2025

The Surprising Oral Health Benefits of Drinking Water

Most people know hydration is important for energy, focus, and overall health. But many don’t realize how strongly water intake is tied to oral health. At Serenity Dental Studio in Frisco, Dr. Rita Kengskool reminds patients that drinking water is one of the simplest, yet most powerful, ways to protect their smile.

Hydration and Saliva Production

Saliva plays a huge role in keeping your mouth healthy. It helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and fight harmful bacteria. When you’re dehydrated, saliva production decreases, leaving your mouth dry and more vulnerable to decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps ensure your mouth has the natural defenses it needs.

A Natural Cavity Fighter

Every sip of water helps rinse away sugars and acids left behind by meals and snacks. This flushing effect may sound small, but over time it makes a big difference. Water doesn’t replace brushing and flossing, of course, but it supports your daily routine and helps keep cavities at bay between cleanings.

Stronger Teeth, Fresher Breath

If your local tap water contains fluoride, drinking it also helps strengthen tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay. Hydration also prevents dry mouth, one of the leading causes of persistent bad breath. Simply keeping a water bottle nearby can improve how your breath smells and how your smile feels.

Oral Health and Your Body Work Together

Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body, and dehydration can show up in more ways than just thirst. Cracked lips, mouth sores, or recurring infections can all be linked to not drinking enough water. By staying hydrated, you’re not only helping your teeth and gums—you’re supporting your body’s overall balance.

Protecting Your Smile at Serenity Dental Studio in Frisco, TX

At Serenity Dental Studio, Dr. Rita Kengskool and her team focus on preventive care, and hydration is an easy habit that makes a big impact. Alongside regular brushing, flossing, and checkups, drinking water is one of the simplest ways to safeguard your oral health. If you’d like personalized guidance on keeping your smile healthy, schedule an appointment at our Frisco office today. Together, we’ll keep your teeth strong, your gums healthy, and your smile refreshed.

January 17, 2024

The Mental Health Benefits of a Great Smile

A great smile goes beyond aesthetic appeal; it can significantly contribute to mental health and well-being. When you smile, it can trigger the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, that promote a positive mood and help reduce stress. Aside from this physiological response, there are also several interpersonal benefits to having a great smile.

Social Smiles

Socially, a genuine smile enhances interpersonal connections by conveying warmth and approachability. Positive social interactions foster a sense of belonging and can reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation. A great smile can boost self-esteem and confidence and positively influence how you see yourself and interact with the world around you.

The Atmosphere of a Great Smile

Smiling is contagious and can create a ripple effect in social situations. When you smile, others are more likely to reciprocate. This creates a positive atmosphere and fosters a sense of community and trust.

Your Professional Smile

In professional settings, a confident smile can contribute to career success. It communicates approachability, competence, and a positive attitude. This makes you more likely to be perceived as friendly and capable by colleagues and superiors.

Comprehensive Dentistry in Frisco, Texas!

The mental health benefits of a great smile extend beyond the smile itself. They encompass improved mood, enhanced social connections, boosted self-esteem, and even potential career advantages. Embracing and sharing your smile can be a powerful tool for promoting mental well-being.

If you’re unhappy with your smile and struggling to find the best way to enhance its appearance or health, give Serenity Dental Health Studio a call today! We can create custom plans to restore or create your dream smile using a series of reliable dental treatments.

Whether you need preventive, general, or cosmetic dentistry, our experienced dental staff is here for you! Schedule your appointment today!

February 25, 2023

Our Guide to Cavity Prevention

While your tooth enamel is strong, it is still susceptible to erosion by acids produced by bad bacteria. If weakened areas of enamel are not remineralized, they become permanently damaged in the form of holes, called cavities. If left untreated, cavities can result in serious issues, like infection and tooth loss. They can be repaired with fillings, but it’s better to simply prevent their formation in the first place.

Brush & Floss Every Day

Plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria, develops when you eat anything with sugar, including candy, pasta, bread, fruit, juice, soda, and so on. Bacteria produce acids, which wear down your tooth’s enamel and irritate your gums. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss every day to prevent plaque from building up on your teeth and under your gumline.

Get Professional Cleanings Twice a Year

Even if you take excellent care of your teeth at home, you should still visit the dentist for regular cleanings and exams. We’ll clean off tartar (which is hardened plaque), remove stains, and identify areas at a higher risk for decay. We can also apply a concentrated varnish of fluoride to help fortify your teeth.

Avoid Snacking Throughout the Day

Frequent snacking is linked to a higher risk of cavities. When your mouth never gets a break from food, it becomes a very acidic place. Eat regular meals and try to eat any snacks or treats all at once instead of grazing on and off during the day.

Drink More Water

Water washes away food debris and sticky plaque. It’s especially important to stay hydrated if you deal with dry mouth, which makes it easier for cavities to form.

Use Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural cavity-fighter added to many tap water systems and toothpaste brands. You’re probably getting enough of this fortifying mineral if you use toothpaste with fluoride and your area has fluoride in the water.

Preventive Dental Care at Serenity Dental Studio in Frisco, TX

Cavities are usually preventable! Following these tips will dramatically reduce your risk of developing a cavity. But if you do get a cavity, we offer restorative treatments like fillings and root canal therapy. If you have questions about cavities or want to schedule an appointment with our team, please contact us today!

September 28, 2022

How to Prevent Stress From Wearing Down Your Teeth

Have you noticed that your teeth look worn down? Do you have constant headaches in the morning or pain in your jaw? You might be suffering from bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding. Here’s how you can save your teeth during stressful times.

What Is Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding is when someone activates their jaw muscles when they aren’t chewing to clench their teeth together and powerfully rub them back and forth against each other. This usually occurs when asleep. The typical signs of teeth grinding are worn down, chipped, cracked, and broken teeth; a sore and tender jaw; tension headaches; and TMD/TMJ pain. Untreated teeth grinding can negatively affect the longevity of your teeth, increase your chances of developing tooth decay, and impair your ability to painlessly eat, talk, and smile.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

One of the primary causes of teeth grinding is stress. There are many reasons why we stress out: work, family, finances, etc. Teeth grinding is one of the ways your body might process stress if you aren’t doing so in other ways, such as regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing, or therapy.

How to Stop Stress From Affecting Your Teeth

If you suffer from bruxism, a custom nightguard can help prevent teeth grinding from further damaging your teeth as you identify and address its cause. At Serenity Dental Studio, we can create a nightguard just for your smile, ensuring a comfortable fit and optimal protection.

Next, you need to find ways to combat your stress to stop grinding your teeth altogether. Identifying the source of your stress and devising a plan for stress management will greatly benefit your smile and overall health, thereby improving your quality of life!

Affordable Custom Nightguards in Frisco, TX

Don’t let stress ruin your smile. Our team at Serenity Dental Studio would be happy to meet with you and discuss if a custom nightguard is the right option for your smile. We also offer various restorative treatments to improve your smile’s function and cosmetic treatments to enhance its appearance, depending on your needs and goals. Plus, our flexible financing options make our treatments more affordable and accessible. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment!

August 27, 2022

Negative Effects of Nighttime Teeth Grinding

In addition to keeping your partner awake at night, nighttime teeth grinding and clenching (also known as bruxism) can poorly impact your oral health. At Serenity Dental Studio, we can help alleviate the negative effects of nighttime teeth grinding!

What Causes Nighttime Teeth Grinding?

Nighttime teeth grinding can be hard to diagnose on your own, as you may be doing it without realizing it. There are many factors that can cause you to grind your teeth. For some patients, teeth grinding is a reflection of stress and tension experienced during the day. For others, teeth grinding is a sign of alignment issues. Certain medical conditions or medications can also contribute to teeth grinding.

Negative Effects of Nighttime Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding can cause a variety of issues, such as: pain and stiffness in the jaw joints, face, and surrounding areas; earaches; tension headaches; degeneration and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints; and difficulty talking, chewing, and swallowing. Grinding puts teeth under abnormal pressure, which can lead to receding gums, cracks, chips, and thin enamel that increases your risk of sensitivity and infection.

How Do We Treat Nighttime Teeth Grinding?

One way we treat teeth grinding is by creating a custom nightguard. This becomes a shield between your top and bottom teeth. A nightguard can alleviate many of the symptoms associated with teeth grinding and protects teeth from shifting, wearing down, or breaking. It can also help you get better quality sleep, which will improve your mood, energy level, brain function, and overall quality of life.

If you think a nightguard might help you, the first step is scheduling a consultation with our team. We’ll discuss your oral health and look for signs of nighttime grinding. Then, we’ll design your customized nightguard. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation at Serenity Dental Studio!

Teeth grinding image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0