Looking after your teeth should be a straightforward task. All you need
to do is eat well and brush twice a day, right? What many people don’t realize
is that they can be damaging the health of their teeth and gums without even
knowing it. This can range from brushing techniques, food choices, or daily
habits.
If you’re curious about the ways you can end up damaging your teeth, keep
reading.
1. Poor Brushing Technique
Perhaps the most significant cause of tooth and gum damage is poor
brushing technique. While it can be tempting to brush vigorously for maximum
effect, dentists recommend that you use gentle pressure in a way that gets to
the gums. There are various brushing
methods for different types of teeth, so it’s worth experimenting
with.
2. Acidic and Sugary Foods
Another well-known cause of tooth decay and erosion is foods or drinks that are
acidic or sugary. High on this list are sodas, coffee/tea, gummy candies, cough
candies, and fruit juices. Soda, in particular, is not only high in sugar, but
it also contains phosphoric acid, which can eat away at tooth enamel. While we
all love to indulge in these treats, be sure to restrict the amount and
frequency, not only for your health but also for your teeth.
3. Night Grinding
Teeth grinding is notoriously bad for the
health of your teeth, and for obvious reason. The thing about grinding is that
most people aren’t aware that they’re doing it unless the person they’re
sleeping with can hear it. Teeth grinding is, therefore, often diagnosed at the
dentist, which usually means your teeth have already worn down. If you are
aware that you have this habit, be sure to invest in a mouthguard to protect
your pearly whites from further damage.
4. Chewing & Opening Hard Objects
Teeth can be great tools for opening objects and for crunching solid
foods. But it’s essential to be aware that these activities can also chip or
damage the enamel if you’re not careful. Whether it’s eating ice cubes, opening
a bottle, or chewing on the end of a pencil, make sure you limit these
activities and protect your teeth from damage.
5. Piercings
A slightly lesser-known way to damage teeth is through tongue or lip
piercings. While they generally don’t cause any harm, the risks associated with
piercings include:
- Burst blood vessels
- Infections and sores
- Gum damage
- Cracked teeth
If you end up with any of the above, you will likely want to visit a
dentist at the likes of Cosmetic Dermatology Manhattan as they can repair any
damage caused by your piercing.
6. Smoking
Smoking is also famously bad
for one’s teeth. Not only does it stain teeth an unsightly yellowish-brown
color, but smoking can also lead to gum disease, causing the teeth to fall out.
If you are a smoker, you may want to increase your dental hygiene and visit the
dentist regularly so that you don’t end up with tooth loss.
Our teeth are as important as any other area of our body. Be sure to take
care of yours so that you can maintain a bright gleaming smile well into your
twilight years.
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