Do you feel that your teeth are getting weaker by the day? Do your gums bleed or recede more frequently than ever before? Have you been experiencing frequent toothaches in your teeth? If so, these are signs that your oral health has been deteriorating.
Many people take oral health as brushing twice a day, flossing, and taking regular check-ups. However, keeping your teeth healthy takes more than adhering to these habits. Over the years, people unwittingly develop many lesser-known habits that undermine good oral hygiene practices. These unhealthy habits, in turn, damage your teeth gradually without you even noticing. By the time you realize it, it is too late to rectify the damage unless you spend a fortune. Dental treatments are not only costly, but they are also very painful and irritating. Thus, it is better to look through your habits, spot the harmful ones and get rid of them once and for all.
Here are a few examples of habits you must avoid for sound oral health.
Not Visiting The Dentist Regularly
People often put off going to the dentist until they have several dental issues like rotting teeth. They might think that they are not in need of advanced treatments. However, it is best to get a solution as early as possible.
You can opt for many advanced orthodontic treatments to get rid of your dental problems. For example, if you have crooked teeth, Invisalign aligners are a great option and comfortable since they are invisible and removable too. To know more about this, you can visit resources like https://www.bovbakerortho.com/orthodontic-treatments/invisalign/.
Excessive Crunching, Sucking, And Grinding
You probably enjoy chewing the leftover ice whenever you slurp down a cold drink, right? There is seemingly no harm in it. Even some dietitians suggest chewing ice cubes to curb the urge for constant snacking. However, constant exposure to cold temperatures is not healthy for your teeth. Chewing on brittle and cold ice cubes can cause microscopic fractures in your teeth, leading to major dental problems over time. Thus, it is better to use crushed ice if you must. Similarly, crunching on other hard things like popcorn kernels and pits of fruits after sucking on them is equally deleterious for your teeth.
Furthermore, many people grind their teeth consciously or subconsciously due to stress or anxiety. Teeth grinding may weaken your teeth and cause headaches and facial or jaw pain.
Using Your Teeth As Tools
Many people use their teeth for plenty of odd jobs instead of looking for the right tools. For example, people use their teeth without hesitating to rip open a pack of chips, uncap a bottle of water, straighten a fork’s bent tine, or tear off a price tag from a new cloth. Little do they know how harmful it can be to their teeth. The effects can be varied from chipping off the ends of weakened teeth to causing a fracture. Damaged tooth enamel can create costly dental problems later on. Moreover, biting fingernails can even lead to tooth loss and gingivitis. Thus, be mindful of what you are placing in your mouth. Avoid chewing and biting non-food items as much as possible. Try not to put your teeth through tasks they are not meant for.
Avoiding Flossing Or Rinsing
Just as a lack of oral hygiene is detrimental to your teeth, overdoing flossing or brushing may also be harmful. A balanced amount of flossing is required to maintain good oral health. Lagging on flossing your teeth daily can enable food to stick between your teeth and near your gums. This will promote the growth of bacteria leading to cavities.
What’s more? Many people floss regularly but in the wrong way. The basic steps to floss include passing the floss gently through the space between adjacent teeth and then along the sides of your teeth. If this is too hard to understand, get your dental care provider to demonstrate the right way so you can get a grip on it. Also, use antiseptic, and fluoride rinses to avoid tooth decay and gum diseases.
Playing Sports Without A Mouthguard
If your teeth aren’t healthy, you can’t enjoy anything else, no matter how much you love them. It is always a good idea to get a mouthguard for teeth safety if you are into sports or play a full-contact game regularly. Games like hockey, soccer, boxing, judo, etc., are always unpredictable. Bodily contact or a sudden impact on the face may result in broken teeth or complete tooth loss. Wear a mouthguard before entering the rink or field to prevent such a scenario. You can either get self-fitting mouthguards or ask your doctor for custom-made guards designed according to your teeth’ shape.
Consuming Sugary Or Acidic Foods
Does your sweet tooth not allow you to cut down on sweet and sugary foods? Well, your sugar cravings may die down after reading this. Here’s what sugar does to your teeth. When you eat sugary foods, these molecules stick with saliva and bacteria in your mouth. The plaque that develops, as a result, dissolves tooth enamel, hence leading to cavities and tooth decay. Also, repeated exposure to acidic foods like lemon and coffee can accelerate the corrosion of tooth enamel. To your surprise, even healthy foods like fruit juices and smoothies are rich in sugars and acids. Thus, the key to healthy teeth is a limited intake of these foods. You can also use a straw to prevent your teeth from greater exposure to these drinks. Also, don’t forget to rinse your mouth with plain water afterward to steer clear of plaques on your teeth which facilitate tooth decay.
Conclusion
For most people, dental health is not a primary concern. However, once you experience a dental problem, it may take a fortune to fix it. Thus, avoid harmful habits with consistency to sustain sound oral health for a lifetime. Read through this article to know what you are doing wrong for your teeth and fix your unhealthy habits.
