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On the JJ Barnes Blog, I check out bad habits that ruin your teeth and how to fix the problem so you can have a healthy smile.
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have naturally beautiful teeth, while others struggle with cavities, discoloration, or gum disease? The truth is, many common habits can wreak havoc on your oral health. Even with the best intentions, many of us might be unknowingly damaging our teeth, even if we are good at brushing, flossing, and getting regular dental checkups.
In this blog post, with the help of award-winning dentist Dr Alex Foo from Aria Dental, I’ll take a closer look at some harmful dental habits that may be wearing away the protective enamel layer on your teeth, leading to discolouration, increased sensitivity, and a higher risk of cavities., and some effective strategies to improve your smile.
Dr. Foo emphasizes that protecting your enamel is crucial for maintaining a bright and healthy smile. The NHS recommends brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, and limiting your sugar intake to support overall dental health.
Small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference in keeping your teeth healthy and white.
Aggressive brushing, while often done with the intention of achieving a cleaner mouth, can actually cause more harm than good. Excessive pressure can lead to enamel erosion, exposing the underlying dentine layer, which is naturally yellow. This can result in sensitive teeth, discoloration, and even tooth decay.
Switching to an electric toothbrush with a soft-bristled head can help prevent enamel damage by providing a gentler and more effective clean. Many electric toothbrushes also have built-in timers and pressure sensors to help you avoid brushing for too long or too hard.
In addition to using a soft-bristled toothbrush and an electric toothbrush, it’s important to use a toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride helps to strengthen your enamel and protect it from erosion.
Finally, be gentle when brushing your teeth. Use a circular motion and avoid scrubbing too hard. Brushing for two minutes, twice a day, is generally recommended.
Many people aren’t aware of the damage that can be caused by brushing too aggressively with a manual toothbrush. Over time, this can strip away the enamel, revealing the yellow dentine layer beneath. Switching to an electric toothbrush can help control the pressure applied and preserve the enamel.
-Dr. Foo
Snacking Throughout the Day
Constant snacking can have a detrimental impact on your dental health by creating a constant acidic environment in your mouth. Every time you eat or drink something other than water, acids are produced that can erode your enamel. The more frequently you snack, the longer your teeth are exposed to these acids, increasing the risk of enamel loss and yellowing.
To protect your teeth from acid erosion, it’s important to limit the frequency of snacking and choose healthy snacks that are low in sugar and acidic content. Additionally, rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking can help to neutralize acids and reduce their harmful effects.
Here are some tips for healthy snacking:
Choose fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are nutritious and low in sugar, making them excellent snack options.
Opt for whole grains: Whole grains, such as whole-grain bread, crackers, and pasta, provide sustained energy and are less likely to contribute to acid erosion.
Enjoy nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a healthy and filling snack option that is rich in nutrients.
Limit sugary and acidic drinks: Avoid sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice, as well as acidic beverages such as coffee and wine.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help to rinse away acids and keep your mouth hydrated.
Constant snacking can keep your teeth in an acidic state, increasing the risk of enamel erosion. Each time you eat, acids are produced in your mouth, attacking the enamel. The more frequently you snack, the more prolonged this acid exposure becomes, leading to enamel loss and yellowing.
-Dr. Foo
Drinking Fizzy Drinks Without a Straw
Fizzy drinks, both carbonated and non-carbonated, are highly acidic and can significantly contribute to enamel erosion. The combination of acids, sugars, and carbonation creates a potent mixture that can weaken your teeth over time.
Without a straw, fizzy drinks come into direct contact with your teeth, accelerating the erosion process. Using a straw can help to minimize this contact, reducing the amount of acid that reaches your teeth. However, it’s important to note that even using a straw doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of acid damage, so it’s still advisable to limit your consumption of fizzy drinks.
If you do choose to drink fizzy drinks, consider the following tips:
Opt for sugar-free options: Sugar-free fizzy drinks contain fewer sugars and acids, making them a healthier choice.
Dilute your drinks: Adding water to your fizzy drinks can help to reduce their acidity.
Rinse your mouth with water: After consuming a fizzy drink, rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acids.
Brush your teeth after drinking: If you can’t brush your teeth immediately after drinking a fizzy drink, consider chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production and help neutralize acids.
Fizzy drinks are highly acidic and can cause significant damage to the enamel. Without a straw, these drinks come into direct contact with your teeth, speeding up the erosion process. Using a straw minimises the contact, helping to protect your teeth from unnecessary acid exposure.
-Dr. Foo
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, many common habits can have a significant impact on your oral health. By understanding the risks and taking steps to modify your behavior, you can protect your teeth from damage and maintain a beautiful smile.
Remember, a healthy smile is more than just aesthetics; it’s a sign of overall well-being. So, make a conscious effort to adopt healthy dental habits and reap the rewards of a brighter, healthier smile.
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