Your teeth are much more fragile than they might seem. If you aren’t careful to avoid unwise oral care habits, you can end up doing serious damage to your smile. If you’ve had restoration work done in the past, these bad habits can be especially destructive. Here are some common habits that you should try to steer clear of if you want to protect your teeth:
Drinking Too Many Sugary Beverages
When you drink a sugary beverage such as soda or even juice, some of the sugar is likely to remain on your teeth. As the bacteria in your mouth consume the sugar, they leave behind acids that gradually erode the enamel of your teeth. Over time, the acids can lead to tooth decay. While regular brushing will help to reduce your risk of cavities, it’s also important to cut back on your sugar consumption if you want to maintain good oral health.
Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
Everybody knows that you’re supposed to brush your teeth at least twice a day. But if you brush too hard, you might end up counteracting the positive effects of brushing by wearing down your enamel, which weakens your teeth. Brushing too hard can even lead to gum recession, which makes you more vulnerable to periodontal disease. To avoid this, buy a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush using a gentle, circular motion.
Brushing Right After Eating
Many people have heard that they should brush immediately after they eat, but that’s not exactly true. In fact, brushing too quickly after you eat food with acids in it can actually do damage to your enamel. To be safe, you should always wait at least 30 minutes after eating most types of food before brushing. However, it’s still fine to floss right after eating.
Whether you require treatment for sleep apnea, scaling and root planning to treat periodontal disease, or restorative procedures for misaligned teeth, you can find the exceptional dental care you deserve at University Associates in Dentistry. To request a consultation at our office in Chicago, call (312) 704-5511.
