Do you take good care of your teeth? Like many patients, you may answer yes, thinking that proper dental care simply means daily brushing, flossing, and biannual dental appointments. While those habits are certainly vital for your oral health, there is more involved when it comes to caring for your teeth. You may be surprised to learn that some of the things you do on a regular basis can actually cause significant dental damage, leading to enamel erosion, discoloration, or a chipped tooth. In this post, your Milford dentist outlines habits that can damage your teeth and explains how you can take steps to protect your smile.
Habits to Avoid
1. Sucking on hard candies – We all know that sugar is bad for teeth, but hard candies are one of the worst culprits when it comes to dental corrosion. The sugar stays in your mouth much longer, breaking down into acids which cause decay
2. Smoking – It’s no secret that smoking is detrimental to your physical health, but it can be extremely harmful for your teeth, as well. Smoking leads to stained teeth, bad breath, and poor gum health; according to the CDC, smoking is responsible for up to 75% of all cases of periodontal disease. Most alarmingly, smoking is the leading cause of oral cancer.
3. Brushing right after eating – You might assume that brushing immediately after a meal is good for your teeth. After all, food should not sit on your teeth for long periods of time. However, brushing immediately after consumption essentially rubs acids and other substances deeper into your teeth. For maximum dental health, wait about 30 minutes after eating before you brush, especially after consuming acidic things like wine or tomato sauce.
4. Brushing too hard – Rigorous brushing is not the best way to protect your teeth, since it can erode the enamel and irritate your gums. Rather, you should use gentle strokes and brush thoroughly for two to three minutes.
5. Chewing your nails – When your mother told you not to bite your nails, she was probably concerned with the appearance of your hands. It turns out that the habit can damage your teeth as well; compulsive nail biting can cause chips or cracks, and can even make your teeth move out of alignment!
6. Chewing ice – It may seem like a harmless indulgence, something you do to cool off during summer months. However, chewing ice can wear down your enamel, chip your teeth, and increase your risk for tooth sensitivity. Additionally, chewing ice makes dental fillings expand and contract repeatedly, significantly shortening their lifespan.
7. Over bleaching – Surprisingly, teeth can actually be too white. Patients who compulsively use whitening treatment may wear down their enamel, eat away at their teeth, and suffer extreme oral sensitivity. However, when used in moderation and under the supervision of a dentist, whitening treatment is extremely safe.
Try This Instead
If you found yourself cringing because you engage in one or more of these habits, try starting a new routine. For instance, if you regularly drink soda, sip on green tea, which can prevent staining and bad breath. Rather than sucking on hard candies, keep a stash of nuts at your desk; not only are they full of healthy fats, the texture of nuts can actually remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Finally, drink plenty of water. Regularly rinsing out your mouth, especially after meals, can remove particles of food and prevent plaque from building up on your teeth.
To learn more about oral health or to find out about our dental implants, contact our office at (203) 878-6699 to schedule an appointment or a consultation. Sensitive Care Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is proud to serve the Milford area.