Bad Habits for Teeth

Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS wants patients to realize that teeth are a prized possession. Think about it. If you didn’t have teeth you wouldn’t be able to speak or eat the foods you love. You should never take your teeth for granted, as they could chip, crack, or fracture if you aren’t careful. Teeth may become sensitive if you are practicing bad oral habits such as these.

• You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.


• You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will leave you in pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontics, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.smilesbyross.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS call our Forest Lake, MN location at 651-464-6988 or our Hudson, WI location at 715-808-8379.

Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

If you’ve ever seen someone open a beer bottle with his or her teeth, or you are guilty of opening packages with yours, it’s time to report and stop these bad oral habits, immediately. Using your teeth as tools do more harm to them than good because you risk cracking the enamel, cutting your gum, and damaging the tooth overall. Many people damage their teeth by using them inappropriately, Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS does not want you to fall victim.

Bad habits like chewing on pens and pencils, using them to open packages, and biting your nails can leave cracks in the teeth, may cause them to fracture, and will damage them in the long run. Though your teeth serve many purposes, you should only be using them to chew your food and speak properly. It’s important to protect them and care for them by brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and visiting us for routine cleanings.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.smilesbyross.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS call our Forest Lake, MN location at 651-464-6988 or our Hudson, WI location at 715-808-8379.