You probably do not worry about your dental health until you have some problems with your teeth. While some people are more prone to tooth decay than others, you may prevent tooth decay by following some simple routine like brushing every day and visiting the dentist every six months. However, there are everyday habits that might harm your teeth.
Continue reading to discover the five habits that are harmful to your teeth:
1. Caffeine and alcohol
Most people know that soft drinks are unhealthy for your teeth because of the high sugar content, the enamel-damaging effects of carbonation, and the mouth-drying effects of caffeine. It is known that a dry mouth contributes to tooth decay because saliva functions are reduced, and there is no way to wash away harmful bacteria. But do other beverages also cause your mouth to get dry?
Excessive sugar consumption might cause problems. Caffeine's drying effects on your mouth and sugary snacks increase your chances of developing cavities. That means you should avoid additional sugar, use straws when you can, and drink as much water as you can to rinse your mouth out after.
Drinking alcohol regularly can also harm your smile. Similar to caffeinated drinks, alcohol slows down saliva production in the mouth. Oral cancer risk is also increased by heavy drinking. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, this occurs when nutritional deficits caused by excessive drinking reduce the body's capacity to absorb antioxidants.
2. Drugs
To the long list of reasons why drug addiction is dangerous for your health, add such things as tooth loss and decay. You may have noticed that many drug addicts have poor oral health. This is because substances like methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana can harm your teeth and gums. According to one study, 96% of meth users developed cavities, and the condition of discolored and damaged teeth is known as "meth mouth." If you have dental health issues, you should visit a dental office.
3. Poor dental hygiene
Most of the time, tooth pain is enough to convince someone to visit the dentist, but not always. Some people might consider their occasional painful tooth or swollen gum not be an issue. However, it's better to be safe than sorry about dental health. If problems caused by decay, a lack of hygiene, or another problem are not addressed, they will worsen and do more harm.
A tiny cavity that progresses to the tooth's root may require a root canal procedure or cause the tooth to fall out entirely. Additionally, gum infections and disease are typically neglected and create disastrous effects.
4. Grinding or clenching teeth
It's common to hold your emotions inside in today‘s society. For this reason, a growing number of people are facing issues such as teeth grinding or clenching at sleep. According to the Mayo Clinic's article on bruxism, facial and jaw stiffness in the morning is a typical indicator of bruxism, even if you are unaware of it. Another red flag is waking up with your teeth clenched.
Whether it's during the day or at night, grinding and clenching your teeth can cause severe enamel loss and, over time, even tooth cracking or chipping. If you suspect you may have this issue, consult your dentist about receiving a custom mouthguard to stop additional damage.
5. Too much brushing and flossing
Being excessive in your dental hygiene routine might injure your teeth just as much as not practicing proper dental care. It is known that people who brush their teeth aggressively and repeatedly back and forth risk wearing down the enamel and perhaps causing gum recession. Learn to brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth and gum line using a soft-bristled brush as an alternative. Be cautious when flossing to avoid harming your gums as well.
