Everyday Habits That Harmful Your Teeth
Did you know that some of your daily habits could ruin your chances of having a healthy smile with nice looking teeth? You might be surprised how some of the things you do every day can be harmful to your teeth. Following are some habits you should eliminate to enjoy healthy teeth.
Sugary Food and Drinks
Foods and beverages that are loaded with sugar can weaken your teeth, damage the enamel, and cause cavities. Sugar is not the only problem. Acids in regular and diet soft drinks, fruit juice, and energy drinks can cause problems for your teeth. If you choose to drink a carbonated soft drink, use a straw to limit acid exposure on your teeth. This acid affects the gums and can cause gingivitis (gum disease). Milk or water are the preferred beverage, and will strengthen your teeth versus eroding them.
Acidic Food
All fruit is not equal. Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges are good for you, but the acid in these fruits can erode the enamel on your teeth. When eating acidic foods, accompany that with foods that are lower in acidity with a higher pH level. This includes cheese, eggs, nuts, whole grains, oatmeal, mangos, melons, bananas, apples, vegetables, and brown rice. Lean meats and fish also have low levels of acid.
Snacking Throughout the Day
Munching all day, especially eating high carb snacks such as crackers and chips or sugary foods and drinks, increases the risk for cavities. The bacteria that cause cavities indulge in food that’s left in your teeth, producing acids that attack the outer layer of your teeth. Well balanced meals will help curb your hunger and ebb the need for snacking. If you’re hungry between meals, avoid the high carbs and sugary treats. If you eat a sugary treat, rinse your mouth with water to wash away food particles that might be left behind. Potato chips are one of the worst snacks, because they lodge between teeth and little fragments can stick into the gums, and lead to gum damage.
Your Teeth are not a Tool
Teeth should only be used for eating. They are not a good substitute for a pair of scissors, and using them to open packages can lead to damaging or cracking them. You can also injure your jaw by doing this. Take time to find the proper tool to open that package and preserve your teeth.
Crunching on Ice
Crunching ice can damage your teeth. Although tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances, teeth are only supposed to chew food. Tooth fractures from chewing on ice can damage or completely break your teeth. Consider drinking your beverage without ice, or use a straw and avoid crunching the ice.
Biting Your Fingernails
Biting your nails can damage your tooth enamel, cause jaw misalignment, and chip your teeth. Even if you wash your hands, it’s challenging to get all the germs out from under your nails. Use a pair of nail clippers instead!
Toothpicks Can be Harmful
Toothpicks have several inherent problems. They can splinter, damage your crowns, enamel or veneers, and lead to infection. Nearly 9000 choking incidents are reported every year from swallowing all or part of a toothpick.
What is the Worst Dental Habit?
Your teeth and gums are at risk when you neglect regular dental check-ups. Dental check-ups every six months with Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS will help your teeth stay healthy throughout the coming years. Call Dr. Evanson at (720) 409-0008 or contact us online to make an appointment and avoid these everyday habits that can damage your teeth and gums.
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