To many, our smile is our best asset. Dentists Shorewood WI say that prevention is vital in maintaining a great smile, but many have already fallen way behind the curve in that regard. After years of constant neglect, they are left with several oral issues that require extraction or possible surgery. If you want a beautiful smile, the first step is to look after your teeth. This also implies regular visits to your dentist, following through with great daily oral hygiene and banishing some habits. What are these bad habits?
Smoking
- Nicotine stains teeth enamel. It can also cause gum disease and gives bad breath, affecting the taste buds.
Using teeth as tools
- Some people use their teeth to open soda or medicine bottles, and rip open cartons or paper. Using them as a tool can end up damaging or breaking them.
Nail biting
- Biting nails not only affects the appearance of your hands, it can also damage your teeth and jaw joints. This habit increases the chances of you suffering from bruxism, which is the unconscious habit of clenching your teeth while sleeping.
Eating sweet treats
- Gummy candies stick to the teeth, and sugar produces acids that remain in contact with teeth for hours, causing damage to tooth enamel.
Chewing ice
- Chewing ice frequently or in large quantities can fracture teeth.
Nibbling on pencils
- The habit of holding pens, pencils and other objects with your teeth is dangerous. The pressure exerted when the tooth is biting on a hard object can cause teeth to shift or break.
Brushing too hard
- Brushing hard or doing so with a stiff bristle brush can cause receding gums and tenderness. Brushing your teeth with horizontal movements will wear down enamel. The right way to brush is in circular motions.
Drinking certain fluids in excess
- Coffee, with its color and acidity, can stain teeth. Drinking wine, whether it is red or white, can damage the enamel due to acids in the wine. Sodas are full of sugar and acids, both of which affect enamel.
There are so many other things that can cause oral health problems. Dentists Shorewood WI say that you can promote the production of saliva and prevent dry mouth, which helps prevent cavities and other problems, by consuming more water, using mouthwash or chewing sugarless gum. If you have any dental issues, contact the dental office of Frank R. Galka D.D.S. today.
