We all want a beautiful and healthy smile but harmful dental habits will prevent us from achieving one. While breaking bad habits can be easier said than done, it’s important to make the effort to prevent serious dental issues like tooth damage, decay, and irritation from occurring.
The following are some of the things you should never do with your teeth:
Use them as tools
While this may seem convenient, it is always a bad idea. You should never resort to using your teeth instead of an actual tool because it can cause you to crack or chip a tooth, which will result in not only pain, but a trip to the dentist as well. No matter how tempting it may be to use your front teeth or molars when you want to open something, you must never do this because it will cost you time and money and cause a lot of pain, all of which can be avoided.
Chew on hard objects
Regularly chewing on hard objects will cause a significant amount of damage to your mouth, regardless of if it’s a piece of ice or the end of a pencil. This habit will abuse your teeth and the enamel will eventually wear down and crack. This can also affect the soft tissue inside your teeth and cause it to become irritated or infected. The next time you feel the need to bite down on something, reach for a healthy snack instead.
Consume excessive amounts of sugar
It’s a fact that sugar causes tooth decay yet despite this obvious fact, many people continue to consume excessive amounts of sugar through sodas, candy, sports drinks, and milk, for example, all of which contain sugar and acids that will stick to your teeth. Bacteria in the mouth thrive on sugar and will eat away at your teeth, resulting in cavities. While it’s unrealistic to completely eliminate sugar from your diet, you can try to limit your intake and practice moderation to help reduce your teeth’s exposure to it.
Brush incorrectly
There is a way to properly brush your teeth, which will help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing too hard will cause your gums to become irritated as well as tooth damage and it is recommended that you use a soft-bristle brush. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and do not forget to floss because that is equally as important.
Cutting these habits may be challenging but the results are definitely worth it. It’s important to remember that your oral health impacts your overall health, which is why taking good care of your teeth is so important. Forest Hill Family Dental can help you achieve a healthy smile and whether you need cosmetic dentistry, dental implants or dentures, we can help. If you want a trustworthy, experienced, and reliable dentist in the Kitchener or waterloo areas, give us a call now!