Did you know that approximately 25 percent of Canadians fail to see a dentist each year? Most people know that seeing a dentist for regular dental cleanings and avoiding sugary foods are a couple of the best ways to keep your oral health in great shape, but there are other habits that have a big impact, too. In fact, there are certain habits you should avoid altogether if you want to avoid bad teeth.
Curious what habits to avoid? We've got you covered! Read on to learn all about them.
1. Poor Dental Hygiene
One of the biggest contributors to bad teeth is poor oral hygiene. Just like the rest of your body, your teeth need regular care in order to stay healthy.
Wondering you need to be doing on a daily basis?
For starters, you'll want to make sure you're brushing at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. You'll also want to floss at least once per day, taking care to get under the gumline to remove plaque. If you want to go the distance, you can even create a plan to brush after each meal, but be careful not to brush your teeth too vigorously.
2. Grinding Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth is another habit that does considerable damage to your teeth. It is often a side-effect of the stress of everyday life. The difficult part about this habit is that you may not know that you're doing it — you may even be doing it in your sleep.
This habit can cause your teeth to wear down and crack, and can even cause wear on your gums. If you think you may be grinding your teeth, speak to your dentist about options like mouth guards to prevent further damage.
3. Tooth Staining Foods
You might think concern over foods and drinks that stain your teeth is only for aesthetic purposes, but they can do actual damage to your teeth, too. Coffee, for example, is a highly acidic drink that can wear down the enamel on your teeth and even embed itself into the enamel.
Try limiting your consumption of coffee to certain times of the day and brush your teeth and scrape your tongue once you're finished.
4. Tobacco Use
Like coffee, tobacco does more than just stain your teeth. Tobacco increases the likelihood that you'll suffer from gum disease or tooth decay because it reduces vital blood flow to your gums. It also reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth and makes your mouth an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
The best thing you can do right now is to start a tobacco cessation program. It's great for your teeth and great for your overall health!
Ready to Put the Kibosh on Bad Teeth?
Keeping your pearly whites in good shape may seem difficult at times. The good news is that little changes in your daily habits can help you avoid bad teeth! Remember to brush and floss and nix the smoking habit and you'll be good to go!
Are you ready to take the first steps toward fantastic oral health? You've come to the right place! Contact Vancouver Dental Specialty Clinic today to schedule an appointment!