EATING STICKY FOODS
When we talk about “sticky” foods, we’re referring to anything that sticks to your teeth. Gummy snacks and licorice are examples of this, as are items that are usually thought to be healthy such as dried fruits. Sticky sweets or sour foods, such as candy, or sour patches are particularly damaging because they contain acids that erode teeth. Imagine what happens if they stay on your teeth for several hours!
Keep an eye out for any food that gets caught on or in between your teeth as a rule of thumb. The longer food is left on your teeth, the more harm it can do. Natural acids found in food eat away at the enamel of your teeth over time. Teeth become significantly more sensitive to a wide range of issues when enamel thins out. Examine the meals you eat such as “snacks.” Consider swapping them out for something different if they’re catching on your teeth.
DRINKING SODA POP ALL DAY
You’re undoubtedly aware that soda is especially damaging to your teeth. The most frequent acids used in soda production are citric acid, carbonic acid, and phosphoric acid. Furthermore, the sugar in soda reacts with the microorganisms in your mouth, producing even more acids. Those acids eat away at your teeth’s enamel, leading to decay. Each acid attack lasts around 20 minutes and begins after a drink of Coke. Even diet or sugar-free Coke can have those acid, causing tooth decay although to a lesser effects. To be fair to sodas, the same phenomenon occurs with popular non-soda beverages such as lemonade, iced tea, and sports drinks.
Some soda habits are more harmful than others. It’s preferable to consume soda all at once during a meal if you must. Sipping soda slowly over several hours is the most harmful method to consume it. When you drink soda in this manner, you’re repeating the acid attack with each sip. That acid lingers in your mouth for the majority of the day, corroding your teeth. That also applies to consuming many drinks in a single day.
SMOKING
Smoking is the worst habit you can have for your teeth. Smoking harms your teeth, gums, bones, and oral health if you do it on a regular basis. According to the CDC, smokers are twice as likely as nonsmokers to get gum disease. Smoking not only weakens your immune system, but it also encourages bacteria and plaque buildup in your mouth. Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that can harm the bone behind your gums, causing severe illness.
Tobacco’s nicotine and tar may discolor teeth yellower or brownish in a matter of minutes. Even frequent brushing won’t help because the chemicals soak into the hard components of teeth know as the Enamel. Smoking also makes it difficult for your mouth to heal especially after having a surgery such as a tooth extraction. Adding on top of that ,the quantity of oxygen in the bloodstream is reduced by cigarette smoke. Your body will have a tougher time healing damaged gums and maintaining bone if it does not get enough oxygen. Hence, there’s no getting past the fact that smoking is bad for your teeth and mouth.
TEETH GRINDING
Grinding which can also be referred to as Bruxism, which can affect people from all walks of life. There are a variety of reasons why people grind their teeth. It’s frequently linked to stress or worry. Many individuals grind their teeth while sleeping and are completely unaware of it. “Sleep bruxism” is the medical term for this disorder. According to the National Sleep Foundation, between 3 to 15% of adults grind their teeth at sleep on a regular basis. Others may grind their teeth unconsciously at various times during the day.
Bruxism is an issue since it puts a lot of strain on your teeth. The enamel on your teeth erodes as a result of all that grinding. Bruxism can reduce the height of the teeth and cause irreversible damage to your teeth. You may be grind your teeth in your sleep if they ache or feel sensitive when you wake up! Grinding your teeth also puts a pressure on your neck and jaw muscles, causing everyday discomfort, soreness, and stiffness. If you believe you suffer from bruxism, talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard at your next appointment.
Now that you know few things that are damaging your teeth, keep that in mind whenever you’re tempted to indulge in your bad behavior. It’ll never be worth the dental ache you’ll have later on. You’ll go a long way toward a happy and healthy dental future if you break these habits sooner rather than latter.
Dr. Mustafa Alani 