Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance in the human body? However, they are susceptible to early wear and tear, if not taken care of properly. In today’s age and time, it’s become even more important to actively take care of our oral health among other things given the changing lifestyle and eating habits. Although certain things can be avoided to keep the teeth in good health, it is important to complement healthy habits with a good oral routine. In this blog, we will be discussing eight such things that hold enough potential to destroy your teeth.
- Sugary Drinks and Foods: Sugar is one of the common and biggest culprits when it comes to dental issues. Sugary beverages like soda, fruit juices, canned drinks, etc. can severely erode tooth enamel and thus cause cavities. The bacteria in your mouth live on sugar and produce acid that eats away at your teeth. This is why it’s important to get rid of the bacteria that stay in your mouth with the help of power brushing and water flossing. Cutting down on sugary foods can go a long way in preventing you from experiencing major dental issues.
- Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits, although healthy, are also high in acid, which can erode tooth enamel and cause sensitivity if consumed mindlessly. Enjoy them in moderation and ensure to rinse your mouth with water after relishing these.
- Caffeine: Coffee, although addictive, may not be the best choice you’d make for not only your overall health but also your oral health. Plus adding those sugar crystals that may find their way into your cup of coffee maybe even more damaging. Long-term excessive consumption of tea and coffee may lead to staining of teeth and even drying of the mouth which may lead to other dental issues.
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Teeth Whitening Products: Teeth whitening products can damage tooth enamel and can certainly cause sensitivity if used incorrectly. If you’re tempted to use such products, consider checking in with your dentist to if you can use such a product. Alternatively, you could invest in ORACURA’s Sonic Electric Toothbrush that comes with a teeth whitening mode to be used post-brushing for that brightening effect and whiter teeth.
- Chewy and Sticky Candies: Chewy and sticky candies, like gummies, can get stuck in your teeth and cause cavities. Plus. they also contain high amounts of sugar that can further damage your teeth. If you’re tempted to chew on gummies, opt for sugar-free gum or even hard candies. However, ensure to not make it a regular practice for healthier teeth and gums.
- Using toothpicks : Most commonly used as an alternative to flossing, toothpicks should never be used for removing stubborn food particles that stick to teeth. Poking your teeth with such toothpicks or other non-dental implements can cause severe damage and even gum infection in most cases which may lead to bleeding and swallowing in gums. A healthier alternative to this is water flossing which is an easy, effective, and even portable device that can be used regularly to remove any food particles that stick to teeth even from the deepest pockets of your mouth.
- Wine : Consuming either red or white wine can soften your tooth enamel making your teeth susceptible to easy and early decay. Red wine can also make your mouth dry or even stain your teeth. Consider drinking lots of water and even brushing your teeth before consuming wine to get rid of food particles from a previous meal or remove plaque so the tannin present in the wine doesn’t have a lot to cling to.
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Tobacco Products: Tobacco products, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, can cause tooth discoloration, gum disease, and oral cancer. Quitting tobacco use can not only improve your oral health but also your overall health.
