6 Things That Damage Your Teeth

Looking after your teeth should be a straightforward task. All you need to do is eat well and brush twice a day, right? What many people don’t realize is that they can be damaging the health of their teeth and gums without even knowing it. This can range from brushing techniques, food choices, or daily habits.

If you’re curious about the ways you can end up damaging your teeth, keep reading.

1. Poor Brushing Technique

Perhaps the most significant cause of tooth and gum damage is poor brushing technique. While it can be tempting to brush vigorously for maximum effect, dentists recommend that you use gentle pressure in a way that gets to the gums. There are various brushing methods for different types of teeth, so it’s worth experimenting with.

2. Acidic and Sugary Foods

Another well-known cause of tooth decay and erosion is foods or drinks that are acidic or sugary. High on this list are sodas, coffee/tea, gummy candies, cough candies, and fruit juices. Soda, in particular, is not only high in sugar, but it also contains phosphoric acid, which can eat away at tooth enamel. While we all love to indulge in these treats, be sure to restrict the amount and frequency, not only for your health but also for your teeth.

3. Night Grinding

Teeth grinding is notoriously bad for the health of your teeth, and for obvious reason. The thing about grinding is that most people aren’t aware that they’re doing it unless the person they’re sleeping with can hear it. Teeth grinding is, therefore, often diagnosed at the dentist, which usually means your teeth have already worn down. If you are aware that you have this habit, be sure to invest in a mouthguard to protect your pearly whites from further damage.

4. Chewing & Opening Hard Objects

Teeth can be great tools for opening objects and for crunching solid foods. But it’s essential to be aware that these activities can also chip or damage the enamel if you’re not careful. Whether it’s eating ice cubes, opening a bottle, or chewing on the end of a pencil, make sure you limit these activities and protect your teeth from damage.

5. Piercings

A slightly lesser-known way to damage teeth is through tongue or lip piercings. While they generally don’t cause any harm, the risks associated with piercings include:

• Burst blood vessels
• Infections and sores
• Gum damage
• Cracked teeth

If you end up with any of the above, you will likely want to visit a dentist at the likes of Cosmetic Dermatology Manhattan as they can repair any damage caused by your piercing.

6. Smoking

Smoking is also famously bad for one’s teeth. Not only does it stain teeth an unsightly yellowish-brown color, but smoking can also lead to gum disease, causing the teeth to fall out. If you are a smoker, you may want to increase your dental hygiene and visit the dentist regularly so that you don’t end up with tooth loss.

Our teeth are as important as any other area of our body. Be sure to take care of yours so that you can maintain a bright gleaming smile well into your twilight years.