You Want Healthy Chompers: 4 Things That Could Be Harming Your Teeth
Posted on: 23 December 2015
You brush your teeth twice a day and floss after every meal. You even see your dentist twice a year. That means you're doing everything you need to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Right? Wrong. You could still be putting your teeth in jeopardy. Some of the things you consume everyday could be harming your teeth. Here are four things that could be putting your dental health in jeopardy.
Chewing on Ice
You know that chewing on ice could chip your teeth but it can harm your teeth in other ways too. Every time you chew on a piece of ice, you eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Over time, the ice can expose the nerves, which can lead to toothache pain. Not only that, but chewing on ice can also damage your gum tissue and lead to problems below the gum line. Protect your teeth and gums. Avoid chewing on ice.
Cough Drops
Those cough drops you use to sooth your throat could be causing cavities, especially if you use the type that are high in sugar. While you're sucking on the cough drop, the sugar is reacting with the plaque on your teeth. Once that happens, the plaque will create bacteria and acids that will eat away at your teeth. To protect your teeth, be sure to choose a sugar-free brand. If you must use cough drops that' aren't sugar-free, rinse your mouth with fresh water after each use.
Potato Chips
You might not think that potato chips would harm your teeth but they will. Potato chips, which are high in starch, can cause the bacteria in your mouth to work overtime. Small particles of potato chips can get stuck between your teeth. When that happens, it can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to start building plaque deposits on your teeth. You can prevent damage by limiting the amount of chips you eat in one sitting. It's also a good idea to brush and floss once you're done.
Smoking
Smoking doesn't just harm your lungs. It can also harm your mouth and teeth. When you smoke, you expose yourself to gum disease, as well as cancer of the mouth, lips and tongue. If you smoke, you should talk to your dentist about a smoking cessation program. You should also have an oral cancer screening at every dental check-up.
To keep your teeth healthy, it's important that you practice proper oral hygiene. You should also use the information provided above to protect your teeth, mouth and gums. For more information, visit a business such as Randolph Dental Group.
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