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If you practice excellent preventive care, then you are on a wonderful path that promotes optimal oral health. However, we find that patients are often surprised when they experience any type of damage, from tooth decay to a minor chip. The good news is that for the most part, your efforts with home hygiene and scheduling checkups and cleanings offer exceptional protection for your teeth and gums. However, there are some aspects of keeping your smile safe that may not necessarily register until it’s too late. So, let us help you keep your grin in tip-top condition – take a quick quiz for a little extra help!

True or False Quiz: Protecting Your Smile

  1. True or False: It’s typically safe to use your teeth to open things like bottles or packages because your teeth are so strong – just use your best judgment.
  2. True or False: Beyond preventive care with brushing, flossing, and preventive visits, we strongly suggest avoiding (or quitting) tobacco use, which includes cigarettes as well as other forms of tobacco.
  3. True or False: If you can find a way to address a dental concern on your own without our help, you are saving yourself time and money, which is always a good thing.

Answer Key

  1. False. Using your teeth to pull off a bottle cap, tear a package, or otherwise can lead to significant damage. This is true for your natural teeth as well as for prosthetics like dental crown or veneers. Avoid using your teeth at all costs.
  2. True. Not only do these products result in discoloration of your teeth, they also contribute to serious oral health problems like gum disease and oral cancer. Practice comprehensive preventive care by avoiding damaging substances.
  3. False. From over-the-counter whitening (which can damage teeth) to attempting to dislodge food from between teeth (when a single pass of floss doesn’t work), you can end up with serious damage that then requires complex restorative work. Schedule a visit with us to keep your smile safe.

ABOUT YOUR RIVERSIDE, CA DENTISTS:

At Dental Associates of Riverside, your dentists look forward to caring for you and every member of your family with a comprehensive selection of services. We will maintain and improve your oral health with preventive, cosmetic, restorative, implant, and emergency dentistry. We also specialize in endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, and orthodontics, serving patients from Riverside and surrounding locations. To schedule an appointment, contact us today at (951) 369-1001.