As you go about your day, do you ever stop to wonder how your pearly whites are doing? The events of a single day can overshadow the importance of maintaining dental hygiene. But, when you notice that there’s something wrong with your teeth – a cavity or toothache–your turn to panic mode. It makes you realize that taking care of your teeth should be at the top of your list. Before we read about ways to protect our pearly whites or teeth let us know about the habits that can damage our pearly whites.
Habits that Damage Your Pearly Whites?
The food, beverages, and activities that you have grown accustomed to can have a damaging effect on your pearly whites. Here are some of the agents responsible for taking the shine off your teeth:
How Sugar Can Damage Your Pearly Whites?
Sugar poses a dangerous threat to your teeth. The acid-producing bacterium that exists in your mouth is responsible for consuming sugar. The acids chip away at your tooth’s enamel. If you want to maintain healthy teeth, avoid sweets that stick in your teeth. These sweets will shower your enamel with sugar. Also, avoid raisins. Fresh fruits are the best option to protect your pearly whites.
How Certain Beverages Can Ruin Your Teeth or Pearly Whites?
If you didn’t know already, soda can have a damaging effect on your teeth, whether it is sugar-free or not. Club soda can cause an equal amount of damage as it contains a high amount of acidity. Juices loaded with added sugar can as well ruin your pearly whites.
Alcohol is also the enemy. A seemingly innocuous glass of wine contains acidic properties which will erode your teeth. This apart, alcohol also dries out the mouth, bringing down the production of saliva. Saliva helps remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth. If you insist on having a drink daily, rinse your mouth immediately after.
How Chewing on Ice and Other Items Can Damage Teeth?
Unfortunately, chewing on ice or even a pencil can be harmful to your teeth. When you chew on any of these items, you expose your teeth and the enamel surface to excessive wear and tear. If you already have chipped teeth, ice cubes can crack the tooth structure.
Ways to Protect Your Pearly Whites
There are a number of ways you can keep your teeth healthy.
Dental Visit to Ensure Healthy Teeth (Pearly Whites)
You might detest visit the dentist, but it is important that you undergo regular check-ups. Do not wait for something to go wrong before you pay the dentist a visit. Try and get your pearly whites checked every six months. Ensure your teeth are always in top shape.
Why You Should Not Ignore Small Signs?
It would benefit you not to brush off small teeth-related problems. If you find blood on your toothbrush, do not shrug it off. It could escalate into something more serious without proper dental care. Bleeding gums could lead to gum disease and then other dental issues. In fact, the condition has also been linked to heart disease.
Benefits of Flossing in Protecting Your Pearly Whites
It is always important to floss. It might take some effort, but it will be worth it in the long run. Flossing can prevent cavities between the teeth as a result of plaque build-up. If you use mouthwash, make sure to stick to a daily routine. Using mouthwash twice a day will prevent the build-up of bacteria in the mouth. Use a mouthwash when you are done flossing.
Avoid Sticky Snacks to Protect Your Pearly Whites
If you do not rinse your mouth after consuming sticky snacks, your teeth will take a hit. If you have a fetish for sticky foods, including raisins, it could spell doom for your teeth. Eating sweets or carbohydrates excessively creates an acid that eats away at the tooth structure. Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth after indulging in sweet treats.
How Coffee and Other Beverages Can Affect Your Teeth?
Like sticky and sugary food items, what you drink can also affect your teeth. A cup of coffee loaded with sugar, and consumed over a span of an hour, will impact your teeth. If you are in the habit of having a sugar-loaded cup of coffee daily, make sure to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth soon after you are done. You can also consider using a straw as it reduces the exposure of your teeth to sugar.
Brush Light to Protect Your Pearly White
When brushing your teeth, take it easy. Attacking your teeth with a brush can cause long-term damage. It can cause your gums to recede while also exposing the tooth’s root. When this happens, it could immense pain when exposed to hot and cold elements. Make sure you choose a soft bristled toothbrush.
Choosing Good Toothpaste Can Go a Long Way in Protecting Your Pearly Whites
Make the right choices when choosing toothpaste. Make sure the toothpaste you use does not contain an ingredient called sodium laurel sulphate. It could lead to the formation of canker sores in your mouth. You can also ask your local dentist to recommend good toothpaste.
Why Focusing on Other Parts of Your Body Can Safeguard Your Pearly Whites?
You need to pay attention to your body to ensure you maintain a good set of teeth. In fact, some of the physical ailments that you may be suffering from require a visit to the dentist for a cure. Some people are in the habit of grinding or clenching their teeth. This can lead to back or face pain, or even headaches. If you have been suffering from tooth pain, visit a dentist immediately. If you are suffering from bruxism – the condition where you clench or grind your teeth – a dentist can recommend a night guard to ease the problem and protect your teeth or pearly white. The night guard may also help lessen the pain. If you have been having headaches for years now, a visit to the dentist can set you straight.
If you want that perfect smile, you need to ensure your pearly whites are ready for a showcase. These simple tips can help you keep your teeth sparkly white.
