What Could Damage Your Teeth

You eat a balanced diet and brush and floss your teeth as recommended, but are you doing everything you can to protect your smile? Many people have habits that are putting their teeth at risk. Do you have any of these seemingly innocuous habits?

1. Snacking on bread
Processed white bread is loaded with sugar and starch, and it can stick to your teeth and feed oral bacteria, which then erode the enamel on your teeth. If you must eat bread, choose whole grain varieties that are made without added sugars.

2. Swimming
The chemicals used in most swimming pools can erode the enamel on your teeth and make it more porous. Whenever possible, swim with your mouth closed, and rinse with tap water immediately after a swim to dilute the chemicals. Brush as soon as possible.

3. Opening packages
Your teeth are not tools, and when you use them as tools, they can chip, crack or break. In fact, your jaw bone can even break or become misaligned and send you running to our emergency dentist for help. Use scissors or other tools designed for your purpose instead.

4. Brushing aggressively
Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too hard can wear away the enamel on your teeth. Try to brush two to three times a day, and use a soft-bristled brush and a light touch when you do so.

5. Whitening incorrectly
Whitening is considered safe and effective in most cases, but overusing over-the-counter teeth whitening products can damage the enamel on your teeth and may also irritate sensitive gum tissue.

Call us to find out more about keeping your smile healthy or to schedule an appointment with our team.

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