The first thing most people notice about you is your smile. Having a great smile is one of the most important things when it comes to making a good first impression. Therefore, dental hygiene is one of the most important factors of health that needs special attention. Things like smoking, eating sugary foods or drinks, and teeth grinding have negative impacts on your dental health if left unchecked. Some people may not even be aware that these habits are harmful.
Here are five things you shouldn’t do with your teeth:
Our teeth are extremely strong but not invincible! One wrong chew could lead to cracks or chips in your tooth’s enamel, and in worst-case scenarios, a fracture. Have caution when chewing things like ice, nuts, olives or anything with a pit, meat with the bone-in, etc. in order to avoid a tooth-chipping accident.
BRUSHING RIGHT AFTER EATING ACIDIC FOODS
Brushing right after consuming foods with high acidities, such as citrus or coffee and wine, can have negative impacts on your teeth. Acidic drinks and foods cause our enamel to soften, and if you brush while your enamel is softened, you could be doing harm to the structural integrity of your teeth. Waiting 30 minutes before brushing gives your teeth enough time to harden and allows your saliva to wash away any debris.
EATING SUGARY FOODS OR DRINKS
It’s common knowledge that candy and pop cause a lot of problems in the mouth. Sugary foods adhere to teeth enamel, causing plaque build-up and cavities if not cleaned properly. Eating hard candy is a bit of a “double whammy,” as the hardness could crack a tooth while the sugar can erode tooth enamel.
SMOKING
Smoking cigarettes comes with a lot of health risks, such as lung cancer and respiratory disease. But did you know that it can also adversely affect your dental health and hygiene? Carcinogens in the cigarettes cause your teeth to become yellow. It can also turn your fingertips yellow and cause discoloration on your tongue.
BRUSHING TOO HARD
Most people don’t expect this to be something you need to avoid, but brushing your teeth too hard can cause a lot of damage. Applying too much pressure with a hard brush can be irritating to your enamel and gums. Instead, try brushing at a 45-degree angle in small, circular motions. Brushing lightly is more effective than brushing hard, and it also contributes to the longevity of your toothbrushes.
If you found that you indulge in some of these habits, it’s not the end of the world! Just be aware that over time they can lead to negative, long-term effects on your overall health and hygiene. So what now? If you’re in search of a new dental clinic in Toronto, we’re here to help at Belman Dental Centre. We’re a judgment-free zone and are here to answer any of your dental health questions! We’re available to do a full cleaning and exam, and advise you on what habits you can change for better dental hygiene in the future. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!
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