5 Unhealthy Habits for Your Teeth
So you’ve got your dental care routine down, remembering to brush and floss - well done! But could there be something you’re doing which is inadvertently damaging your teeth? We all know that sugar, smoking, and red wine are bad for our teeth and gums, but there are other mistakes we make in our daily lives that are equally unhealthy for our oral health… Read on to discover 5 common things which should be avoided for better dental health!
Don’t chew on ice!
Ice often feels healthy, after all it’s sugar-free and helps to keep us hydrated! But chewing on it can cause chips or even cracks in your teeth, and even damage fillings - not to mention, it’s very cold (ice cold, in fact!) which can heighten sensitivity. Be patient, and wait for ice to melt before drinking it down - your teeth will thank you for it.
Crisps are worse than chocolate!
Though it might seem counter-intuitive, foods with high starch content actually create more acid in your mouth as bacteria breaks down the starch. Foods with starchy ingredients, such as crisps and bread, also get stuck in between teeth for longer, so it’s actually better to nibble on chocolate as this dissolves more quickly and doesn’t get caught in hard to reach places.
Chewing pencils…
Much like chewing ice, pencils are not made with dental safety concerns in mind! To avoid accidentally chipping or cracking teeth on pencils, or other hard objects, opt instead for sugarfree gum!
Don't brush straight after eating
It might seem sensible to brush your teeth straight after a big meal or sugary snack, but the acids used to break down food in the mouth temporarily soften the surface of your teeth, which can lead to abrasion with even the most gentle brushing. Dentists recommend that you wait half an hour after eating to brush your teeth. If you are eating out or heading out directly after eating, invest in a portable toothbrush to keep your teeth clean on the go! Pop one of our Sonisk Pulse portable sonic toothbrushes in your bag, with a travel cap and antimicrobial protection you’ll be able to maintain oral hygiene wherever you are!
Brushing too hard
It’s wonderful to have enthusiasm for dental hygiene, but remember that harder is not better when it comes to brushing! Exerting too much force can erode the enamel on the surface on your teeth and cause gum recession, so remember to brush gently with circular motions to keep the surface of your teeth clean and healthy.
Though nothing beats a good and regular dental care routine, some of the things we don’t think about doing in our daily lives can damage our teeth in ways that brushing and flossing won’t be able to help. If you’re concerned that you might have chipped or cracked a tooth or loosened a filling, be sure to make an appointment with your dentist at your earliest convenience.