Unexpected Enemies of Oral Health

A big part of good oral health is brushing your teeth twice a day, but it is not the only thing that can protect your smile. Many things you do every day that you might not think about can have a big effect on your oral health. 

Let us look into some of these surprising offenders. If you need a dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, check out what we have to offer. 

Unintentional tooth wear. 

• Bruxism. 

Grinding or clenching your teeth, even if you are not aware of it, can put a lot of stress on your jaw and teeth. Bruxism is the name for this habit, which can damage or loosen your teeth.

• Biting your nails. 

This common nervous habit can hurt your teeth without you even realizing it. Biting your nails can wear down your enamel and cause problems with your jaw because of the force you put on your teeth. 

Dietary choices that can damage your teeth. 

• Chewing ice. 

Even though it might not seem dangerous, eating ice can make your teeth crack. These cracks may get bigger over time, which makes your teeth more likely to break or chip.

• Treats with sugar. 

Bacteria in your mouth grow faster when you snack a lot, especially on sweets. These bacteria make acid that wears away tooth enamel, which makes cavities possible.

• Foods with acid. 

Acidic foods and drinks, like citrus fruits and fizzy drinks, can weaken tooth enamel. Cutting down on these things can help keep your teeth healthy. 

Harmful habits that are detrimental to your teeth. 

• Using your tooth as a tool. 

If you open packages or pull off tags with your teeth, you could break, chip, or even lose teeth. For these jobs, it is important to use the right tools.

• Dangers of piercings. 

Getting your tongue or lip pierced can make your gums and teeth hurt. The jewelry can hurt gum tissue and teeth enamel by rubbing against them all the time.

• Flossing mistakes. 

Flossing is important for getting rid of bacteria and food between your teeth, but too much brushing can hurt your gums. It is best to floss gently with a sawing action. 

Lifestyle factors that can affect your teeth. 

• Cigarette and tobacco use. 

Both smoking and chewing tobacco are bad for your teeth. They can make your teeth look yellow, hurt your gums, and raise your chance of gum disease and mouth cancer by a lot.

• Not getting regular dental checkups. 

For good oral health, you need to go to the dentist for regular checkups. Your dentist can find and fix possible problems early on, which keeps them from getting worse. 

How to protect your smile. 

Aside from the things mentioned here, there are also certain other things that can damage your teeth. Some of these are: 

• Mouth breathing: If you breathe through your mouth, you might get a dry mouth, which makes it harder to make saliva. It neutralizes acids in the mouth and keeps teeth from getting cavities.
• Some medicines: Some medicines can dry out your mouth, which makes tooth decay and gum disease more likely.

You can protect your smile by being aware of these strange habits and taking care of your teeth. Do not forget these important tips:

• Every day, brush your teeth twice. Use fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles.
• Floss every day to get rid of bacteria and food stuck between your teeth.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks. Cut down on the amount of sugary snacks and drinks you eat and drink.
• Do not use your teeth as tools. Use the right tools for the job.
• Set up regular dental checkups. Get your teeth cleaned and checked by a doctor every six months.
• For those who grind their teeth at night, a mouthguard can help keep your teeth from getting hurt.

Adding these habits to your daily life will help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come.