You use your teeth to help you chew, speak, and smile. The health of your mouth is important, so avoid some of these habits which can harm teeth.
- Soda is full of acids and sugars which can decay tooth enamel. Avoid sipping soda constantly throughout the day.
- If you participate in contact sports or even non-contact recreational activities, then wear a mouth guard. Not wearing a mouth guard can result in fractured or lost teeth.
- Don’t chew on any hard objects which are not food because doing so can cause teeth to shift and crack. These items include fingernails, pencils, pens, and even ice cubes.
- Coffee and tea are two beverages which can stain teeth. Additionally, they dry out the mouth, which increases your risk for tooth decay.
- When you brush your teeth, do not brush them too hard. Vigorous brushing can erode teeth and cause gingival recession.
- You’re teeth are not a tool. Do not use them to open a bag of chips or tear off a piece of tape; use a pair of scissors instead.
- Avoid snacking throughout the day because doing so will be feeding the plaque bacteria which attack teeth. If you do snack, try healthy snacks and avoid foods which are sugary, acidic, or sticky.
- Flossing may be time consuming, but not doing it increases your risk for decay and gum disease. It is imperative that you floss away food and plaque from between teeth at least once a day.
- Avoid grinding and clenching your teeth during the day. This habit may be a coping mechanism for stress, but it can wear, fracture, and loosen teeth.
- Many people enjoy sucking lemons, but this fruit is very acidic. Do not suck lemons on a regular basis if you want to avoid getting cavities.
- Tobacco is very harmful for the health of your mouth. It stains teeth and increases your risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Quit tobacco use today.
