Protect Your Teeth by Avoiding These 4 Things
Your teeth are made from the hardest material in your body but they can still be damaged. By minimizing or avoiding these four things, you can significantly increase your chances of being free from gum disease and other dental issues. If you have additional questions or want to set up an appointment with a dentist, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 today.
- Acidic foods can damage your teeth
- It is not surprise that sugar is bad for your teeth
- Smoking is bad for all aspects of your health
- Using your teeth as a tool
The acid in acidic food can wear down your teeth. Yes, this includes soda and sour candies but it also includes healthy things like citrus fruits and juices. If you are eating healthier acidic foods and do not want to cut down then just make sure you are brushing when you should.
Note that this does not mean brushing right after eating the acidic food. Why? Because the acid can make your teeth more susceptible to being damaged when being brushed. Instead, wait half an hour and then brush.
It is likely not a surprise that sugar is not good for your teeth. This does not mean that you cannot eat any sugar, though that can be a great choice for your overall health. That said, if you do choose to eat sugar, follow the same rules as you would for acidic foods: Wait about 30 minutes after eating sugary foods and then brush your teeth. If you leave the sugar to fester in your mouth, it turns into bacteria, which can cause a host of problems including gum disease and bad breath.
Once again, you are likely not surprised to learn that smoking is bad for your health, but you may not realize just how bad it is for your teeth. In addition to staining your teeth, it can actually damage your teeth and gums. It also significantly increases your chances of getting oral cancer and other types of cancer. The best option here is to quit smoking and using any tobacco products.
Your teeth are not scissors and you should not use them to open up tough-to-budget packaging. Your teeth are not bottle openers and should not be used to open bottles. This may seem like a simple solution to a problem, but that simple solution can turn into a serious dental emergency faster than you think. Take a few seconds to find the right tool and your teeth will thank you.
If you are in need of assistance keeping your teeth in their best possible condition then we urge you to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161. We are here to help with your ongoing dental exams as well as specialty services including cosmetic dentistry. Call us today to get started.
