It is possible to become so stuck in a habit that you neglect to realize the damage you could be doing to your smile. You may not even think your behavior is detrimental to your oral health it’s become such second nature. While there are plenty of behaviors that could ruin your teeth – from eating too much sugar to overdoing it on the all-day coffee – some of the biggest problems might surprise you.
Over-brushing
You know (hopefully) that neglecting to brush twice a day and floss once a day is bad for your oral health. But brushing too vigorously is a big problem too. You can’t make up for lost time or skipped brushings when it comes to cleaning your teeth. Cleaning your teeth hard can actually damage and inflame your gums and, kept up over a period of time, could lead to gum recession. Heavy-handed brushing can also weaken tooth enamel which could lead to the development of more tooth stains and a greater susceptibility to cavities. Best course of action: Brush gently and softly for two minutes using circular motions.
Under-hydrating
The way you hydrate is important to maintain oral health. Energy drinks and power aides may claim to hydrate you, but they’re doing no favors for your teeth because they are packed full of carbs and sugars that stick around and eat away at enamel. An adequate water intake is essential to keep your mouth healthy. Saliva does important work in washing away the build-up of plaque, food, and bacteria, but it doesn’t work alone. Neglecting to drink enough water can result in dry mouth, tooth decay, and an imbalanced pH level. Best course of action: Try to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily.
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Using Your Teeth as a Tool
Common sense should tell you to use your teeth for chewing and biting only. Unfortunately, some folks who are lacking a sharp instrument to open a package or bottle will often turn to their teeth as the tool of choice. You can chip, break, or crack a tooth in an instant. And if you’re already sporting cosmetic dentistry such as biomimetic porcelain veneers, you could damage that investment as well. You’ll end up needing restorative dentistry treatments to correct what should never have been broken. Best course of action: Rely on bottle openers and scissors and use your teeth only as they are intended.
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Over-whitening
The whiter your teeth the better, right? It depends on how you achieve that whiteness. While over-the-counter whitening solutions, from white strips to whitening toothpastes, promise a brilliant smile, the results are short-lived. Typically, these solutions are short-term, merely stripping surface stains away but not very completely. That little punch of whiteness, however, is enough for some people to get addicted to the idea of whiter teeth. The result? Folks who whiten over and over and over again, against the indications of any dentist and the instructions on the packaging, and end up irritating their gums and potentially – and irreversibly – damaging their enamel in the process. Best course of action: If you want celeb-white teeth, talk to your biomimetic dentist about whether you’re a candidate for professional teeth whitening.
The littlest things can make the biggest impact on your smile – in a good way or a bad way. Smile makeovers can take on any shape or form to suit your oral health needs and wishes. Contact Moorestown Dental Professionals in Moorestown, NJ, to discuss your dental questions and learn more about how to get the long-lasting smile you want in a safe, healthy way.
