Most of us know how important it is to brush and floss our teeth every day. But even if you practice a good oral hygiene routine, you could still be harming your teeth without even realizing it because of habits you engage in every day. Check out this list of what habits to avoid to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Tobacco: Let’s start with the obvious. Smoking or chewing tobacco not only stains your teeth, it also can lead to gum disease, bone loss, and an increased risk of oral cancer. If you’re considering vaping instead, think again. Vaping restricts the flow of blood through your veins, which can destroy gum tissue and ultimately lead to bone loss.
- Sugar: The old warnings our parents used to give us about how too much candy can create cavities still hold true. But there are other foods that also contain sugar that can damage our teeth. Be careful when it comes to eating dried fruit and sugary sodas, for example. If you have a sweet tooth, try fresh fruit instead.
- Anything hard: Teeth are pretty durable, but they’re not indestructible. Keep this in mind and avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or anything that you find difficult to chew. Sticky foods – such as caramel or even some dried foods – can also wreak havoc in your mouth by potentially dislodging dental work.
- Acidic foods and drinks: Many of the foods and beverages that we consume every day contain acid that can damage tooth enamel. For that reason, you should avoid overdoing it when it comes to snacks and drinks like citrus fruits, coffee and wine.
- Whitening products: Teeth whitening is more popular than ever, and while it’s tempting to keep on whitening until you achieve that movie star smile, remember that over-whitening can damage your tooth enamel. Whitening products will usually make your teeth sensitive for a limited period of time, but over-whitening can lead to increased sensitivity that doesn’t go away.
- Teeth grinding: Grinding your teeth at night can not only keep you awake, it can also eventually start to wear down your teeth, cause pain in your jaw, or even lead to tooth loss. If you think you might be grinding your teeth while you sleep, ask your dentist about a mouth guard that can prevent it.
- Chewing gum: If you’re in the habit of chewing sugary gum, it’s time to stop – or at least switch to a sugar-free brand. In fact, chewing sugar-free gum can actually be good for your teeth and gums since it stimulates the production of saliva, which helps to protect your mouth from damage done by acidic foods and drinks.
When it comes to good oral health, remember that it’s not just brushing and flossing that makes a difference – it’s also the healthy habits we practice all day long, every day.
