Our teeth represent our identity in so many ways. When they’re healthy and pearly white, our teeth give people the impression we take good care of ourselves. On the other hand, teeth that are missing, cavity-filled, or just plain crooked make people believe we lack proper hygiene and are lower class.
This is why good dental hygiene is so important. Besides affecting our personal health, it influences how healthy our relationships will be by the kind of people we attract. A healthy, beautiful smile gives us confidence and draws like-minded individuals towards us, and great oral habits are the best way to achieve it.
Unfortunately, some habits we engage in damage our teeth (and our appearance) without our knowledge. Smoking cigarettes and binging on teeth-staining foods and drinks are common sense no-nos, but what about thumb-sucking? Or teeth-grinding?
James River Family Dentistry shares 5 habits ruining your teeth you may not be aware of.
Substituting the Right Tool With Your Teeth
Crunching on ice isn’t alone in how bad it can be for your teeth. Using your teeth like a bottle opener or a pair of scissors force your teeth to do work they weren’t designed for. Not only can your teeth chip and break, but it distorts the alignment of your jaw (also called malocclusion).
Malocclusion can eventually lead to a condition called a temporomandibular disorder, more commonly known as TMJ. This misalignment of the jaw causes pain and locking of the jaw joints. Abstain from ripping that tag off your new dress to prevent your teeth from some serious wear and tear.
Brushing Your Teeth Too Quickly
In our hectic, fast-paced lives, sometimes all we want to do is to get . . . it . . . done. This mind frame can affect our dental routine as well. We’re told to brush twice daily, floss, and avoid sugary snacks. But does anyone ever monitor your brushing speed? One of the great oral habits everyone should focus on is brushing correctly, for the appropriate amount of time.
Reader’s Digest advises slowing down the time you spend brushing your teeth to 2 full minutes. The consequence of aggressive brushing is the breakdown of enamel coating your teeth. The thinner the layer of enamel, the more you’ll experience sensitivity to hot and cold and the greater your chance of developing decay. Gentle strokes at a gradual pace are the hallmark of a strong smile that will last throughout the years.
Immediately Grabbing the Toothbrush After a Meal
You’ve heard the rumors. Brushing immediately after you eat will prevent harmful bacteria from tarnishing your teeth. This may be true, but different rules apply when the foods are acidic.
Foods such as oranges have an acidic property that softens tooth enamel. If you brush right after eating them, you may unintentionally lose that precious enamel. Saliva regulates the acidic level in your teeth, so hold off brushing until they’ve had time to recover.
The recommended wait time is about 30 minutes. Why not use that time to start flossing?
Taking Forever to Drink that Lemon Water!
Speaking of acid, one refreshing drink that many people enjoy is lemon water. There’s nothing wrong with adding a little pizzazz to your water, as long as you know the proper way to drink it.
Never sip lemon water for long periods of time. Acid erosion can tear away at your enamel. The longer the acid sits on teeth, the more damage it will cause. The same thing can be said for wine. Avoiding the acids and staining from lemon and wine are great oral habits to practice.
It’s okay to have a glass, just don’t spend too long drinking it, and refrain from consuming multiple drinks over the course of a day. You’ll protect your teeth and still get to enjoy what you love.
Choosing the Wrong Type of Water
Bottled water is convenient. When you’re on the go, reaching for that slim plastic bottle and shoving it in your cup holder is the fastest way to get started on the day. For some people, it even tastes better than a regular tap.
But sometimes taste should take a backseat to health. Fluoride, a compound found in tap water, has been widely known to help prevent tooth decay. While a debate rages over the amount of fluoride one should ingest, fluoride should not be neglected in your diet.
Unfortunately, some bottled water brands do not contain fluoride, leaving many to miss out on its benefits. Always check the label to be sure your bottled water contains fluoride. Preventive measures like fluoride are one of the great oral habits to focus on.
Your teeth serve as the foundation for the health of your entire body. Keeping them in tip-top form prevents inflammation that can worsen diseases such as diabetes and increase the risk of others. Kick these harmful habits now and you’ll be in better shape for life.
Ready for more great oral hygiene tips? Schedule your next appointment at James River Family Dentistry and ask one of our outstanding team members for more great tips for your best oral health. Contact us at (804) 323-4200, we can’t wait to see you!