812-853-3313According to the article from WebMD, 25% of United States adults over the age of 65 have lost all of their teeth. Family Dentistry with Drs. Ogle, Schmitz, Hart, and Fickas want to prevent that for all of their patients. Remember these important messages so that your everyday habits are not causing problems for your teeth.  1. The number #1 enemy of teeth is sugar. The longer the sugar is in your mouth the more damage can occur. Acid producing bacteria in the mouth is what consumes the sugar. This is the acid that eats away at the enamel on the teeth and therefore resulting in tooth decay. 2. Stay away from candies that stick to your teeth and keep the sugar on the teeth. Even dried fruit such as raisins can result in excess sugar sticking to the teeth. 3. Be careful in what you drink. Soda is bad for the teeth whether it has sugar or is sugar-free. The acid that is in the sodas will result in damaging the enamel as well. Alcohol contains acid and reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is needed for reducing bacteria and plaque in the mouth. 4. Do not use your teeth to open cans, bottles, bags, or any clothing tags. Do not chew on ice, pencils, or pens. Using your teeth in these ways will result in tooth damage. 5. Do not smoke or chew tobacco. This can result in loss of teeth as well as oral cancer. 6. If on medications such as antihistamines that have saliva reducing side effects, this can result in dry mouth and can increase the chances of cavities. 7. Wear a mouth guard if playing any sport that the teeth or mouth can be injured.   8.  8 percent of Americans grind or clench their teeth at night. This can result in structural damage to the teeth. Any of these everyday habits can cause the loss of teeth. Drs. Ogle, Schmitz, Hart, and Fickas want you to have your teeth for Life!  Visiting Family Dentistry every six months is vital in protecting your teeth so that you are not an adult missing teeth.
10655 State Road 662, Newburgh, IN 47630