Most of us are aware that eating too much sugar is dangerous for our teeth, and we all know that smoking is bad for our oral and overall health. But these are hardly the only things that can damage our smiles. At our dental office in Everett, we know plenty of other habits that can be just as harmful to your teeth, as the above mentioned. Check our list of the worst habits that can affect your beauty smile.
- Munching on sugary snacks
Regular consumption of foods and snacks, containing carbohydrates and sugar can cause the development of bacteria in the mouth that produce dangerous acids for your teeth. Tooth erosion can occur when acids dissolve the outer surface of the tooth enamel, and this loss can lead to tooth sensitivity and cavities. Unfortunately, avoiding sugar can be a very difficult task, as it can be found in almost every prepackaged food we eat. Thus, if you can’t give up on candies and sugary snacks, try to rinse your mouth after consumption to get the acid-causing bacteria out. Being aware that sugars can be damaging to your teeth can make you more careful to keep your teeth clean and evaluate your eating habits.
- Consuming acidic foods and drinks
The natural acids in foods, like citrus fruits, pickles, tomatoes, and honey can erode tooth enamel over time, if consumed too frequently or held in the mouth too long. Soda and sports drinks also tend to have high acidic content that wears away tooth enamel. To protect your enamel, try to avoid or at least limit the consumption of these foods and drinks, and remember to brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth after consuming them.
- Chewing on hard substances
Biting down or chewing on hard substances is very bad for your teeth, especially if you make a habit out of it. Chewing on hard substances, like ice for example, can damage your tooth enamel and leave your teeth vulnerable to a dental emergency. The more force you exert onto your teeth, the more likely you are to eventually experience chipping or a fracture, which could even lead to damaging the nerve or pulp of the tooth and that will require serious dental intervention.
Most of us have used our teeth to open stubborn packaging or to hold something when our hands were full. Unfortunately, that’s not a good practice. Ripping open packages or using your teeth for anything else but chewing on food can chip your teeth or cause other tooth damage.
- Smoking
Smoking can lead to gum disease by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth making smokers much more susceptible to infections like periodontal disease.
Toxins from smoking cause tooth discoloration, loss of bone within the jaw, increased levels of oral cancer, and delayed healing after dental treatments.
- Avoiding your Everett Dentist
You might be taking excellent care of your smile at home, but even then, you should still visit your Everett dentist on a regular basis. The reason is that your dentist can check for problems that you may not see or feel. Many dental problems don’t become visible or cause pain until they are in more advanced stages. Examples include cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Regular check-ups will allow your Everett dentist to find early signs of dental issues, which can be treated at a manageable stage.
On average, seeing a dentist twice a year works well for most people. Ask your Everett dentist to find out the best schedule, according to your individual dental needs.