Everyone knows that they should brush, floss and gargle regularly to take care of their teeth, but they may not realize that other, non-dental habits they do every day might be counteracting their oral efforts. Here are some no-nos you should minimize in order to make your smile all it can be.
Growing up, we’re all taught that sweets cause cavities, but we’re not necessarily taught how. You see, sugar is absorbed by bacteria in the mouth, which then produce acid that eats away at your tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Sticky sugary foods — like gummies and yes, even raisins — are particularly harmful because of the length of time they adhere to the teeth. Even “healthy” fruit juices can erode enamel over time because of the sugar content.
Even if you drink sugar-free diet soda, the acidity of the drinks can still erode your enamel and cause decay around the gum line. Sports and energy drinks, meanwhile, might not “feel” as acidic because they’re not carbonated, but a 2012 study compared drinking them to “bathing your teeth in acid.” So, um, yeah. If you must drink soda or sports/energy beverages, drink them quickly; lingering only prolongs exposure to the acid. It’s recommended to drink through a straw to minimize the drink’s contact with the teeth.
Tea and coffee can stain the teeth, turning them yellow or causing brown areas to form between the teeth. Additionally, caffeine might contribute to the breaking down of the enamel on your teeth, and it can cause you to clench or grind your teeth, which leads us to…
As you might imagine, grinding your teeth wears them down over time. Catching yourself doing it while you’re awake shouldn’t be too hard, but if you do it in your sleep, you may need to buy a mouth guard.
Like tea and coffee, tobacco — whether smoked or chewed — can stain your teeth. Even worse, it can cause oral cancer and reduce blood flow to the gums, leaving your gums and teeth vulnerable to infection. Because of the direct contact with the gums, chewing tobacco is considered more hazardous than smoking.
Alcohol can eat away at the enamel on your teeth with its sugary and acidic content. It also dries out the mouth, limiting the amount of saliva produced, which in turn allows bacteria and plaque to accumulate on the teeth.
Like alcohol, many over-the-counter drugs can dry up the saliva in your mouth, allowing bacteria to proliferate. Additionally, biting into hard pills can damage your teeth. As far as illegal drugs go, tooth damage might be the least of your worries, but it’s clear that the harsh chemicals in drugs like methamphetamine can literally rot your teeth.
Do you often find yourself chomping on a pencil, chewing on your fingernails or opening a glass bottle with your teeth? Do you really need to be told why this is bad for you? For goodness’ sake, use a bottle opener. When your teeth have been worn down to Tic Tac-like nubs, it will be too late. Even hard food items, like ice, hard pretzels, popcorn kernels and hard candy can cause damage. Ice is double trouble because not only is it hard, but it’s also so cold it can cause cracks in tooth enamel.
Apparently, some people find sucking on lemons to be a pleasureful experience, but that sour taste should be a clue that these fruits have a very high acid content, which can eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Citric acid is the worst acid for your teeth, so it’s probably best to avoid limes as well. Oranges and grapefruits, by comparison, have a much lower concentration of citric acid.
Young children who suck excessively on their thumbs are at risk of developing buck teeth, because as the thumb rests in the mouth, it ends up pushing the top teeth outward. The good news: this shouldn’t be an issue until the child’s permanent teeth start to come in — around age six.
A dental assistant is a vital member of the team that cares for patient’s dental health. Assistants also help the office and practice run smoothly, performing small tasks that free the dentist and dental hygienists to give more attention to the patient. The tasks this position is responsible for are widely varied. Dental assistants may help the dentist by preparing the examination room, handing over tools and supplies when the dentist is with a patient, or performing general sterilization procedures. In the lab, assistants can make temporary crowns or develop x-rays. This position also requires heavy interaction with patients, as dental assistants often manage office duties such as gathering information, organizing charts and paperwork, and scheduling appointments.
Sullivan University is a private college or university, offering higher education for people with higher goals. At Sullivan University, we focus on in-demand programs that lead to successful careers. Whether you’re a high school student considering college for the first time, an adult returning to school or someone seeking professional development, you’ll be surprised at the variety and range of alternatives Sullivan University offers. We offer programs designed to fit into your life, whether you prefer day, evening or online classes – or some combination – we work hard to help you get what you need. We offer everything from certificates and diplomas to advanced degrees, so no matter what your timeline may be, we have the program to fit. Since our founding over fifty years ago, the goal of Sullivan University has been to prepare students for success, and over the decades, we’ve built up an impressive record in achieving that goal. Our course offerings have continually evolved to meet the real, practical needs of the business world and our work continues even after a student has graduated, with unlimited employment assistance to help graduates find jobs nationwide. Find out what makes Sullivan the right fit for you!
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The average salary for dental assistants working in Kentucky is $31,310 a year or roughly $15.06 per hour. The position does not necessarily have to be full-time; many dental assistants work part-time hours. The job outlook for this position is good, as assistants are in demand with dentists. Jobs are expected to grow 31% (faster than average) nationwide. In Kentucky, Louisville and Elizabethtown offer the greatest opportunity for positions. (Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database.)
Because necessary skills are often learned in the exam room or in the office, higher education is not strictly required. In some states, however, dental assistants must have a license or be certified in certain areas. Kentucky dental assistants fall under one of two categories: Dental Assistant or Dental Assistant qualified in coronal polishing. DANB is an informative website that further explains the two different types of assistant and the requirements for both. Though formal training or education from an accredited school is not an absolute must, those who have completed programs at technical or trade schools are generally offered positions first and receive higher salaries.