@iriser
Dental hygiene is one of the most important aspects we should pay attention to. However, many people neglect their teeth or give them very minimal attention because they don’t have the time or simply don’t consider it a priority. Even though dental checkups are not exactly fun, they’re essential to avoid any future problems. Besides visiting the dentist regularly, there are several unhealthy habits that you should avoid to protect your teeth. Here are a few examples.
1. Smoking
Everyone knows the health risks related to smoking, but few are aware of how smoking or chewing tobacco can have a significant impact on their teeth. If you need an extra reason to quit, maybe the fact that smoking causes gum and periodontal disease can motivate you. In addition to causing gum recession and cavities, smoking can also reduce the production of saliva and cause teeth discoloration and bad breath, not to mention it could lead to complete teeth loss.
2. Poor Diet
Your eating habits are the main factor that can affect your oral health. We all know how having a ‘sweet tooth’ is bound to increase cavities and cause tooth decay. That’s why you should avoid any sweets or hard candy that can chip your teeth. Certain types of candy can get stuck between the crevices of your teeth and saliva won’t be able to wash them out. Moreover, excessively consuming acidic foods like lemon can damage the tooth enamel, which leads to multiple problems like cavities and teeth sensitivity. All in all, it would be wise to cut back on unhealthy snacking and eat three, balanced meals instead.
3. Teeth Grinding
Many people tend to grind their teeth, either consciously or unconsciously, when they are stressed or angry. Some even do it in their sleep not knowing that it may be the reason behind most of their teeth problems. Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as Bruxism, can weaken and damage your teeth. It can also result in several other problems like cracked teeth, chipped tooth enamel, flat, worn-down teeth, joint problems, tooth loss, and a misaligned jaw. To break this habit, consult your dentist; they can make you a custom mouthguard to wear while sleeping or conduct a bite adjustment. The most effective solution, however, is to eliminate or minimize sources of stress and anxiety.
4. Caffeinated Beverages
Most people enjoy a fresh cup of coffee in the morning to start their day or a warm cup of tea before bed to relax and calm their nerves. As great as that sounds, these kinds of beverages could result in various dental issues. For starters, as you drink one cup after the other, stains will start to accumulate on the teeth’ enamel. Many people complain about having stained teeth despite not smoking, and that’s why the professionals at advancedwhitening.com.au recommend limiting your caffeine intake as much as possible. These stains can’t be removed using whitening toothpaste. You can also invest in a teeth-whitening kit that is easy to use and leaves no mess behind.
5. Chewing on Random Items
Another stress-induced habit that causes many problems for your teeth is constantly chewing on random items. Many people find themselves chewing on a pen or pencil while concentrating on a task, but this habit could cause your teeth to crack or chip, and irritate the soft tissue. Another common habit is the chewing of ice cubes, which may seem harmless but, it actually creates small cracks in the enamel that keep growing until the tooth is completely fractured. Additionally, many people have the habit of using their teeth instead of tools to rip open some packages or pull things out of place, but that only causes major wear and tear to your teeth.
6. Over Brushing
You might think that brushing your teeth can never be a bad thing, but there is, in fact, such a thing as over-brushing. You might think that vigorous brushing and flossing will solve your dental issues when in reality, it’s making them worse! Whether it’s the number of times you do it or the technique you use, the way you brush your teeth could be one of the reasons behind your dental problems. Brushing your teeth too hard, too fast, or with a hard brush can irritate the gums and damage both the teeth and the enamel. Your brushing session should not exceed two minutes, and it should involve the right amount of pressure.
Now that you know the unhealthy habits that may be harming your teeth, it’s important to identify which ones you are practicing and look for ways to eliminate them immediately. Remember, that the most important thing to do to avoid dental problems is to practice proper dental care and visit your dentist for regular checkups. Don’t forget to also watch what you eat and stay hydrated to rinse away any particles stuck in your teeth.