When you think about oral health, you probably picture your dentists Epping telling you to brush and floss regularly, cut back on sugary foods, and maintain a healthy smile by visiting the dentist at least twice a year. You probably don’t think about the little habits that can damage your teeth and gums or even lead to serious problems, like tooth decay and gum disease. Yet, these everyday habits that are damaging your teeth are easy to adopt and difficult to break, but they should be broken as soon as possible if you want to protect your teeth in the long term.
Opening Packages with Teeth
We’ve all been there. We’re in a rush and need to open something quickly so we resort to using our teeth. But did you know that this everyday habit can actually damage your teeth? When you use your teeth as tools, you put unnecessary stress on them which can lead to chips, cracks, and even breakage. So next time you’re in a bind, reach for a pair of scissors instead of your teeth.
Not Brushing and Flossing Properly
When you don’t brush and floss properly, plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth and gums. This can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. To avoid these problems, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Along with proper dental hygiene, it’s important to visit the Epping dentists every six months for professional cleaning.
Drinking Acidic Drinks with Meals
When you drink acidic drinks with meals, the acid attacks the tooth enamel for 20 minutes or more. This extended attack can break down the hard outer layer of your teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities. To help protect your teeth, drink acidic beverages between meals instead of with them.
Snacking At Night before Bed
You might not think that an after-dinner snack can affect your teeth, but eating before bed can actually cause tooth decay. When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars in your food and produce acid. This acid then attacks your teeth, causing decay. So if you must snack at night, brush your teeth afterwards to remove any food particles and prevent tooth decay.
Chewing Ice Cubes
You might think that chewing on ice cubes is a harmless way to cool down, but it can actually be quite damaging to your teeth. The extreme cold can cause your teeth to crack or chip, and the hard surface can wear away at your tooth enamel. If you’re looking for a way to cool down, try sucking on a Popsicle instead.
Grazing On Junk Food throughout the Day
When you graze on sugary or starchy snacks throughout the day, you are constantly exposing your teeth to acids that can break down tooth enamel. This can lead to cavities, and other dental problems. If you must snack, try to choose healthy options like fruits and vegetables. Please visit the dentists Epping if you’re experiencing teeth sensitivity and pain.
Grinding Your Teeth
You may not even realise you’re doing it, but grinding your teeth can cause serious damage. Over time, the constant grinding can wear down your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay. It can also lead to gum recession and tooth sensitivity. If you think you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist. They can help you find ways to protect your teeth and keep them healthy.
Please contact our Epping dental centre and fix an appointment with our dentist if you need help breaking these habits.