You Are Harming Your Teeth Every Day
Keeping teeth healthy should be a top priority for everyone. After all, we only get one set of choppers over the course of our lives. And yet, many of you are harming your teeth in ways that we might not even suspect. Following are some of the key ways that you are harming your teeth every day.
Failing to drink enough water
Saliva may have a high “ick” factor, but it is essential to protecting your teeth because it helps remove debris that otherwise accumulates. To maintain the proper amount of saliva, you should be properly hydrated. That means drinking enough water. Drinking more water also helps wash debris from your teeth.
Not flossing properly
Flossing improperly probably beats not flossing at all. But going about flossing the wrong way prevents you from getting the maximum benefits.
Common flossing mistakes include:
- Flossing after brushing, which is not as effective at reducing plaque between teeth as flossing first
- Failing to clean the entire tooth, which is best accomplished by turning the floss into a “C” shape and sliding it up and down over the entire tooth length on all sides
- Not pushing below the gumline by 2 or 3 millimeters, which helps remove additional bacteria
Drinking coffee and juices
Drinking too much coffee, juice or wine can be bad for your teeth because these liquids are acidic.
Take that morning cup of joe. Research shows that coffee boosts the risk of cavities because its acidic nature erodes enamel, which also can result in increased tooth sensitivity. The situation can be even worse if you add cream and sugar to your coffee.
Using the wrong brushing technique
Unfortunately, improper brushing techniques also are all too common.
Brushing the right way, includes:
- Choosing a soft-bristled brush, which is easier on the teeth and gums
- Holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth, which helps you clean the gum line
- Using short, circular strokes with the goal of “massaging and not scrubbing your teeth”
- Spending at least two minutes doing a thorough job