Bad Habits That Can Be Harming Your Teeth

Teeth play an important role in our everyday lives. Not only do they allow us to eat and speak properly, but they also help to maintain our overall health. Despite this, many people still engage in bad habits that can damage their teeth over time. If you’re looking to protect your pearly whites, be sure to avoid the following habits.

This one should go without saying, but many people still don’t brush their teeth twice a day as recommended by dentists. Not only can this lead to cavities and other dental problems, but it also makes your breath smell bad. If you can’t brush your teeth regularly, be sure to at least rinse your mouth out with water or chew a piece of gum after each meal.

Everyone loves a little bit of candy now and then, especially children. However, eating too much candy can be bad for your teeth. Sugary snacks and drinks like soda are known to cause cavities and other dental problems. If you’re going to indulge in a sweet treat, try to eat it as part of a balanced meal and brush your teeth afterwards.

Brushing your teeth is a great way to keep them healthy, but you should avoid brushing your teeth harshly. Many people scrub their teeth too hard with the bristles of their toothbrush, which can wear down or damage enamel over time. If you brush your teeth too roughly, it’s important to let your dentist know as soon as possible.

Smoking is bad for your overall health, and it’s also bad for your teeth. Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that can damage tooth enamel, leading to cavities and other dental problems. If you’re trying to quit smoking, be sure to talk to your dentist about helpful tips and resources.

This one should go without saying, but many people still drink too much alcohol. Not only can this lead to addiction, liver problems and other issues, but it also leads to bad teeth. Alcohol brings your mouth’s pH levels back down after they rise when you eat certain foods, which can damage enamel. If you’re going to drink, be sure to drink in moderation and eat foods that will help to raise your pH levels.

Many people grind their teeth at night, without even realizing it. This can be a sign of stress or anxiety, and it can also lead to dental problems like tooth erosion and cavities. If you grind your teeth, be sure to ask your dentist about getting a mouth guard to help protect your teeth.

Flossing is another important part of oral care, but many people don’t do it regularly. Not flossing can lead to plaque build-up, gingivitis and other dental problems. If you don’t have time to floss every day, try to at least floss once a week. Your dentist can also show you how to floss your teeth using a technique called the modified Bass method, which allows you to clean places where a toothbrush can’t reach.