Common Habits that Can Be Harmful to Your Teeth
If you want a healthy smile and beautiful white teeth, read on! Some of your everyday habits can ruin your chances of accomplishing the common goal of a nice smile. Some of the things you do every day can be harmful to your teeth.
Your teeth are an important part of your body and when they are damaged, the potential loss of a tooth affects your smile and it impairs your self-confidence. Tooth loss may affect the perception others have of you, it can also cause headaches, misaligned teeth, the ability to chew. If you want nice white teeth and a healthy smile, learn how to protect them so they will last for the rest of your life.
Following are some of the common habits you should avoid:
Toothpicks
Toothpicks can be harmful for several reasons. They can scratch your tooth enamel, cause gum lacerations, and damage tooth roots. They can also damage your crowns or veneers, splinter, and cause infection. There have been nearly 9000 choking incidents reported every year from someone swallowing all or part of a toothpick. If you have large spaces where food gets caught, you should make an appointment with Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS to find ways to close the gaps. Dental floss removes food from between your teeth without causing damage to your teeth or gums.
Ice
Ice itself is not harmful, but chewing on ice is harmful to your teeth. Tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in our bodies, but our teeth are only designed to chew food, not ice cubes. It’s not worth risking a fractured tooth to chew on ice cubes. If you’re tempted to chew on ice cubes, try using a straw or drink chilled drinks without ice so you’re not tempted to crunch on the cubes!
Sugary Food and Drinks
Sugary foods and drinks can damage tooth enamel and cause cavities. Soda, fruit juice and other sweetened drinks can also affect the gums and cause gingivitis. If you drink a carbonated drink occasionally, use a straw to limit the acid exposure to your teeth.
Foods That Are Acidic
Citrus fruits are good for you, but the acid in these fruits can erode the enamel on your teeth. If you’re eating an acidic fruit, eat other high pH foods such as nuts, cheese, melons, bananas, apples, eggs, vegetables, brown rice, and whole grains. Fish and lean meats also have low levels of acid. These foods can help counter the acid from the fruits that can harm your tooth enamel.
Constant Snacking
Snacking on crackers, chips or sugary foods and drinks, puts you at a higher risk for cavities. Instead, eat balanced meals to feel full. Potato chips are especially harmful because they get lodged between teeth, which can lead to gum damage.
Your Teeth Are Not a Tool
Your teeth were made for eating, not to serve as a substitute for a pair of scissors. Using your teeth as a tool increases the risk of cracking your teeth, injuring your jaw. Find the proper tool to open that package and your intact teeth will thank you for it.
The Most Harmful Dental Habit
The most harmful dental habit is when you neglect regular dental check-ups. Call Dr. Evanson at (720) 409-0008 or contact us online to make an appointment.
You can’t avoid normal wear and tear of your teeth, but with regular brushing and flossing, a healthy diet, and avoiding bad habits that blatantly cause tooth damage, you can expect your teeth to last a lifetime, with help.
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