Your teeth have to put up with a lot. Day in and day out, they’re what you use to enjoy your favorite snacks, chomp on healthy salads, and make a great first impression. They deserve all the TLC you can give them! You might have some excellent habits, like brushing and flossing, that protect your smile, but you might also have some habits that aren’t so great. Here are a few everyday activities that can damage your pearly whites:
Using Your Teeth as a Tool
Teeth are tough — in fact, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body — but they’re far from invincible. Resist the temptation to open packages or tear off clothing tags with them; you don’t want to accidentally break or chip your teeth just because you didn’t feel like going to grab a knife or a pair of scissors. Think about carrying a multi-tool with you so you can resist the temptation to use your chompers to tear into that package of apple slices.
Sipping on Soda
Regular soda is one of the worst things you can consume — not just for your waistline, but also for your teeth. It’s packed with sugar, which interacts with the bacteria in your mouth to create plaque. The acids in plaque wear away at your enamel and can easily lead to cavities. Diet soda is also bad for your smile; the carbonation process makes it a highly acidic drink. It can attack your enamel with just as much vigor as regular soda.
When you do indulge in a fizzy drink, be sure to brush your teeth half-hour to an hour after you finish it. Don’t brush right away because your enamel will be softer than usual for a while after your teeth are exposed to acids.
Munching on Ice
Ice is sugar-free and acid-free, so what’s the problem? The problem is that ice is so cold and hard. Your teeth aren’t meant to break through glaciers, which means that you could end up chipping your smile if you bite down on ice too often or too hard. The cold temperature may also irritate the nerves in your teeth, causing you pain.
Indulging in Starchy Snacks
Complex carbs are better for your body and your teeth than simple sugars, but that doesn’t mean there’s no risk involved. Starch may interact with the bacteria in your mouth and produce damaging acids. Potato chips are particularly bad for your teeth because it’s easy for them to get lodged between your pearly whites. The longer they’re stuck there, the more likely it is that they’ll contribute to decay.
Your teeth should last for a lifetime! To keep them in good shape, do your best to change bad habits like the ones listed above, and be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
About the Dentist
Dr. Joseph Sandberg has been helping people achieve healthy, beautiful smiles for more than three decades. If you have questions about how to care for your oral health, or if it’s time for your next cleaning, please contact our office at 856-596-4333.