Everyone would love to have a set of white, healthy teeth, but it takes more than brushing and flossing to properly take care of them. It is equally important that you abstain from things that are not good for your overall oral health and the condition of your teeth.
Sugar is bad for your oral and overall health. It is broken down into acids by bacteria in your mouth. Over time, this acid eats away at your enamel, leading to tooth decay. Sticky sugary foods are the worst offenders since these stay on your teeth for a lot longer. If you must absolutely have a sugary treat, make sure you brush afterward to protect your teeth.
Your teeth are actually the strongest part of your entire body, but that does not mean that they are indestructible. Do not make a habit of chewing on things that you know you should not be chewing on like your nails or ice. Chewing on hard objects puts lots of unnecessary stress on your teeth, and that can lead to chips, fractures, and cracks.
You can always tell when someone drinks lots of coffee or tea because their teeth eventually end up the same color. It is easy to get into a routine where you find yourself sipping on java all day, but that is guaranteed to leave your teeth looking discolored. Instead, try substituting the coffee with water or some other teeth-friendly alternative like milk or vegetable juice. If you must absolutely have a few cups of coffee during the day, make sure you rinse your mouth with water when you are done or brush your teeth.
Brushing too hard is a bad habit that most people are not even aware they have. People constantly see images or videos of people brushing the wrong way. Applying lots of pressure when brushing is actually bad for your teeth since it erodes your enamel. Instead, brush with soft and gentle circular motions. A little contact with the bristles of a brush is all it takes to clean your teeth. Stop brushing like you are cleaning your shoes with an old toothbrush.
Grinding one's teeth is a bad habit that can be hard to control since most people who grind their teeth are not even aware that they are doing so. It is something that usually happens while you sleep, and it can be a sign of stress, anger, or a domineering personality. You typically have to figure out the cause of your grinding to address it, but you can minimize the damage done by it by wearing a mouth guard whenever you go to bed.
Not going to the dentist twice a year, allows tartar to build up on your teeth and prevents him/her from dealing with issues in their early stages.
Contact us at (847) 636-5020 to find out more about bad habits you want to avoid.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Long Grove Dental, request an appointment in our Long Grove dental office here: http://www.longgrovedental.com.
Practicing good oral hygiene basics is the best line of defense against cavities, abscesses and other problems that can plague a person’s mouth. A visit to the dentist can show someone where changes need to be made and help direct improvements in cleaning habits. The following information can more fully explain what needs to happen…
Flossing is a big part of preventive dentistry. It removes plaques, makes teeth less likely to decay and also reduces the risk of gum disease. You need to clean between your teeth every day, according to the American Dental Association. This can be difficult if you do not know what to do. Follow some tips…
It is important to protect your teeth from damage and ensure that there are not any serious oral health concerns that develop as a result of poor oral hygiene. By understanding how to properly protect your teeth and make them stronger, you can ensure you keep a healthy, beautiful smile at all times.Tooth enamel is…
When it comes to the food that we eat every day, there are some that are much more teeth-friendly than others along with some that are downright terrible for teeth and oral health. In this article, we will cover 7 of the best teeth-friendly foods that are excellent choices when picking your next meal.The health…
A traditional dental bridge can replace up to three or four consecutive teeth on the same side of a dental arch. It is one of the most common dental replacements you can get. Knowing how to care for it can help maintain your new smile for a long time. Here are some tips for ensuring…
Minor flaws in your teeth might make you hide your smile. If so, dental veneers might be the answer for you. These thin, customized porcelain shells will fit over your existing teeth and even out their appearance.Over time, dental veneers have become more prevalent as a cosmetic dental choice. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain…