Most people would be amazed at what a realistic evaluation of their daily dietary choices and other habits would reveal. If only tooth enamel could let out a little squeal when drowning in sugary and acidic substances, just about to be devoured like a defenseless swimmer in shark-infested waters. If only.
A Little Refresher
Of course, all or most of the items on this list are common knowledge, and generally, would seem pretty easy to avoid. Somehow, that’s not always the case. Once in awhile, all we need is a little refresher, and and a few practical solutions to go along with it. So today, we bring you a helpful little reminder on behalf of your teeth, gums and tooth enamel. Don’t feel bad. We like you just the way you are. But if you should happen to feel inspired to make a positive change or two, we’d be ok with that too.
The Top 10 Habits That Destroy Teeth
1. Alcohol
Even in less potent forms, Alcohol is acidic, which can erode the teeth. It also dries out the mouth. This limits the production of good-for-your-teeth saliva, which helps to remove plaque and bacterial accumulations from the teeth's surface as it washes over them. More plaque = greater risk tooth decay. Between alcoholic drinks, rinse your mouth with water to minimize its negative impact.
2. Beverages
Soda - as everyone knows - is bad news for teeth; with or without sugar. It literally bathes your teeth in an acid environment as it splashes over your teeth while you drink. Club soda is also acidic, as are juices with added sugar. Using a straw for drinking helps minimize contact with teeth.
3. Bottle Caps
It’s true. There are real, live people in the world who use their teeth to remove
bottle caps. Before, you start shaking your head, consider whether you occasionally use your teeth as a portable multi-tool for such mindless tasks as removing clothing tags, opening plastic bags, or the like. It’s much more common than you might think. Determine to “catch yourself” in the act, and make a point of stopping asap.
4. Chewing Ice
Are you one of the many who chew ice when bored or anxious? Yes, the hospital does sometimes feed ice chips to a patient just out of surgery to address mouth/throat dryness. No, it’s still not ok to chew habitually. Neither is chewing on pens, pencils, and other such items (that tend to fall into the “oral fixation” category). This activity can cause a surprising amount of wear and tear on tooth enamel and the tooth itself. Those with teeth already worn or chipped run a serious risk of cracking and damaging the tooth structure."
5. Chewing Tobacco
In many ways the worst offender of all, tobacco and the carcinogens it contains directly massage their way into the chewer’s gums and soft tissues. Once there, they remain for a long time.
6. Contact Sports
This one is quite simple. If you are involved in any activity that puts your mouth, teeth or gums in even occasional danger of being receiving a strong blow or impact, pick up a mouth guard and be sure to wear it during all such activities.
7. Grinding Your Teeth
It’s been determined that up to 8% of Americans grind or clench their teeth in the night - while they sleep. If you discover that you are one of them, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to discuss solutions.
8. Prescription Medicines?
The American Dental Association tells us that more than 500 medications cause dry mouth as a side effect - from pain relievers to antihistamines. As we discussed earlier, saliva is one of your mouth’s best defenses against the growth of plaque and bacteria that leads to tooth decay and cavities.
9. Smoking
This is another one everyone knows. The yellow teeth caused by the nicotine of cigarettes is one thing, but the oral cancer also attributed to it is quite another. If you haven’t found a way to successfully give up smoking yet, keep trying! It’s worth it.
10. Sugar and Teeth
Also known as Enemy No. 1 in the battle for good oral health, the damaging effects of sugar continue to compound the longer it remains in your mouth. However, acid-producing bacteria in your mouth - the super villains eat who away at tooth enamel, absolutely love sugar and devour it ravenously. Particularly troublesome are sticky jelly candies, which get stuck in your teeth for long periods of time, putting tooth enamel in serious danger. Beware the deception of “healthy” dried fruits drenched in sugar, which have the same effect. Choose fresh fruit instead.
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