If you're a fan of the wildly popular series known as "Orange Is The New Black," you are undoubtedly familiar with one of the most controversial characters on the show:  Pennsatucky.  A standout feature that makes Pennsatucky (played by actress Taryn Manning) such a notable part of the show are her teeth.  Pennsatucky's oral cavity is dotted with just a few teeth, with the remaining part of her gums appearing black and brown.  If you want to keep your teeth from looking as horrible as Pennsatucky, use this information to learn more about maintenance tips that can keep your smile looking amazing.

Stay Away From Drugs And Cigarettes, And Limit Your Alcohol Consumption

Although you may believe that the only threats to good oral health concern food, you are mistaken. Indulging in drugs and cigarettes, and overdoing it with alcohol can wreak havoc on your teeth, causing them to look just as bad as Pennsatucky's, who is a former drug addict.

Cigarettes and drugs affect the teeth in many different ways.  The nicotine and tar that is found in cigarettes can stain and discolor the teeth, while the acidic nature of drugs such as methamphetaphine can strip the teeth of enamel and cause premature deterioration.

Alcohol damages your teeth because it changes the environment inside of your mouth.  Alcohol dries up the saliva, which can soften the enamel on your teeth.  If you find that you overindulge in alcohol, you'll want to brush your teeth for at least 20 minutes to remineralize your tooth enamel.

Maintain A Balanced Diet

One reason why Pennsatucky has such bad teeth is because she is a woman of limited means who eats a poor diet. Consuming diets rich in processed sugars can be gruesome for the teeth, and if allowed to progress, could lead to irreversible damage that you'll need a skilled dentists to repair.

Consuming a diet that is rich in crunchy vegetables is a great way for you to keep your teeth clean in a natural way. Foods like carrots, celery, apples, and cucumbers literally scrub your teeth with every bite, removing plaque and keeping the surface of your teeth free of plaque so you can avoid the kind of deterioration that Pennsatucky suffered from.

Pennsatucky's oral status should serve as a cautionary tale that prompts you to take better care of your teeth. You don't have to experience the Pennsatucky effect; start using these tips right away so you can enjoy a beautiful smile for as long as possible. For more information, contact your dentist (such as Picone Dental - Vincent J Picone DDS)

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