Even for people from California who are known for living healthy lives, teeth are very strong structures that are meant to last a lifetime. Even though they are strong, the things we do every day can hurt their health without us even realizing it.
California might seem like the best place for dental health, with its sunshine and fresh food all year. But there are still surprising things that can hurt your teeth, like drinking beverages that seem harmless and biting your teeth without realizing it.
Here, we look at some of these surprising things that can damage your teeth. To help build better dental habits, contact a San Jose dentist today!
Sugar is the worst enemy.
Sugar is very bad for your teeth because bacteria eat and make acid when sugary foods and drinks stay in your mouth for a long time. Tooth enamel goes away because of this acid, which can cause cavities, sensitive teeth, and even tooth loss.
Foods and drinks that are high in sugar, like pop, candy, fruit-flavored yogurts, processed drinks, and breakfast cereals, can also be bad for you. If you want to keep your teeth healthy, you should always read food labels and choose sugar-free or low-sugar choices.
Acids are like a double-edged sword.
Drinks, even ones that are acidic or sweet, can damage tooth enamel. Soda, sports drinks, and fruit juices are all acidic drinks that can take away enamel. Coffee, tea, and red wine can stain teeth.
They are not as bad for you as sugary drinks, but they can stain or dull your smile. Rinse your mouth out with water after drinking acidic or colored drinks to lessen the effects.
Unintentional threats like brushing too hard.
Brushing your teeth every day is important for good oral health, but brushing too hard can damage tooth enamel and gum tissue, making gums pull away from teeth and teeth sensitive. Use a soft toothbrush with soft bristles and brush your teeth back and forth gently instead of brushing too hard to avoid these problems.
Unconscious habits like grinding and clenching.
When you grind your teeth without realizing it, you may get headaches, neck pain, or damage to your teeth. Worry, anxiety, and some medicines can bring it on.
If you think you might be grinding your teeth, talk to your doctor about mouthguards or ways to deal with stress. To protect your teeth at night, they may suggest a mouthguard or look into ways to stop you from grinding your teeth.
Using your teeth as tools is a bad idea.
You do not use your teeth to open packages or crack nuts; you use them to eat. If you use the right tools, like knives, bottle openers, and nutcrackers, you can keep your teeth from getting hurt and from working too hard.
Biting your nails and chewing on things.
If you bite your nails or chew on hard things when you are worried, you could damage or break your teeth. If you want to avoid these problems, you should figure out why you behave the way you do and work on changing it. Fidget toys or other ways to relieve stress can also be helpful.
Keeping your smile healthy.
To lower your risk of tooth damage, change the things you do every day. To keep your teeth healthy, you should see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. If you brush and floss your teeth every day, you can get rid of food and germs that get stuck between your teeth.
For good health, eat things that are low in acid and high in sugar. To stay awake and alert, drink a lot of water throughout the day. For good oral health, you need to see your dentist for checkups and cleanings at least every six months. Remember that it is better to avoid problems than to fix them.
Using these tips and regularly visiting the dentist will help you always have strong, healthy teeth.
