
May
Bad habits can really get the best of us, can’t they? Without even noticing, we make sacrifices to our oral health just to satisfy a few cravings. Whether you smoke cigarettes daily, chew nervously on your pen, or eat a sugary snack instead of a healthy fruit, there’s a potential to cause long-term damage to your teeth. If you want to avoid damaging your tooth’s enamel and cause more serious problems down the line, you’ll want to listen up.
But you don’t have to worry; your dentist in Framingham says you’re not facing your habits alone. Many of these are very common, so your dentist is ready to offer solutions to five poor habits for teeth.
Smoking is a leading cause for heart disease, but it can also dramatically increase you chances of contracting gum disease. It also yellows your teeth, makes your breath stink, and puts a hole in your wallet. Out of all the habits we discuss, smoking should be the first to cross off the list.
If you’re struggling to quit on your own, ask your general practitioner how they can help. There are numerous methods to quit smoking, like asking your friends and family to hold you accountable if you relapse. Make sure to let them know in advance that you won’t mind them bothering you about it.
If you notice your canines becoming flat over time, there’s a good chance that you’re either grinding your teeth while asleep or unconsciously throughout the day. This wears down your tooth enamel, increasing the chances of breaking a tooth and exposing your pulp for bacteria to get into. To combat this, invest in a nightguard to protect your teeth from further damage.
Brushing your teeth with too much force or for too long does not make your teeth cleaner. It only causes your tooth enamel to wear down more quickly. The next time you brush, make a conscious effort to apply less pressure. The ADA says you only need to brush for two minutes at a time as well, so don’t brush any longer than necessary.
There are actually many habits you may not realize are damaging your teeth. This includes:
Instead, opt for a multi-tool that lets you accomplish tasks. Invest in a fidget toy that keeps your hands busy. You’ll soon wonder how you survived without them.
Not only should you reduce the amount of sugar you eat to avoid plaque buildup, you should also stop chewing ice. While ice can easily melt in your mouth, it can also cause your teeth to crack if bitten hard enough. Teeth are not designed to chew what are essentially rocks of frozen water. Instead, suck on ice and let it slide down your throat.
By beating these habits, you create a much brighter future for your oral health. To learn more ways to beat them, schedule an appointment with your family dentist in Framingham today!
Dr. Adelina Duka earned her DMD degree from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine and her DDS degree from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest. She’s also the author of several scientific articles published in many reputable, peer-reviewed, medical journals. To learn more about her practice and professional accolades, contact her at (508) 665-2016 or visit her website.