Some people have a bad habit of clenching their teeth when they are stressed or they tend to open packages by using their teeth. Some may chew their nails or ice or even consume sugary frappuccinos. We all keep on repeating these habits without knowing they can harm our teeth in the long run. All these habits may affect your enamel which cannot grow as your nails or hairs.
Our teeth are one of the delicate parts of our mouth that needs to be taken care. You can consult a dentist in Plano on how to protect your enamel. By practicing some good oral hygiene habits, our teeth can shine and serve us for long life. Therefore, we need to understand and know about the habits that can affect your enamel.
Habits That Can Erode Enamel
Some common habits that can ruin your enamel are bruxism which is teeth grinding, chewing habits, your diet, overbrushing, or using unsafe teeth-whitening habits. These habits will lead to ruining your enamel which is the hard and white outer layer of your teeth along with exposing the dentin which is a yellow and softer inner layer of your teeth.
- Consuming Sugary Treats and Sodas
Excess of candy and sugary beverages may wear away your enamel. It is because the bacteria present in the mouth feeds on the sugar which generates acid that ruin enamel. Therefore, you need to limit your consumption of sodas and sweets that can help protect your teeth from any damage.
Enjoying candy and sugary beverages can be detrimental to your enamel. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar, producing acids that gradually erode enamel. Limiting your intake of sweets and sodas can help protect your teeth from this damage.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, may occur at daytime or at night and lays a negative impact on the enamel. Continuous grinding may not only expose the tissues of your teeth but may also cause severe complications.
- Excessive Wine Consumption
Moderate wine drinking is not at all harmful. However, people who consume excessive wine may ruin the enamel owing to the presence of acid. To avoid such damage, try to consume wine in moderation.
- Dry Mouth
Saliva present in the mouth washes away the bacteria and also helps to neutralize the acid. Lack of saliva may occur due to certain health conditions or consumption of specific medications. Further, lack of saliva may also permit harmful bacteria to grow and destroy your enamel. Therefore, you need to stay hydrated to prevent dry mouth issues.
- Brushing Too Hard
Brushing is important to maintain the oral health of your mouth. If you use excessive force and pressure in brushing your teeth, it will be harmful for both your gums and enamel. Therefore, gentle brushing is advisable to protect your gums and enamel.
How to protect the enamel on your teeth?
Some ways to protect your tooth enamel are as follows:
- Practicing good oral hygiene: Try to brush at least twice a day with soft-bristled toothbrush and using fluoride toothpaste.
- Stay hydrated: Try to drink water from fluoridated tap or milk or diluted sugar-free squash drinks.
- Limit acidic foods and drinks: You must avoid having lime, lemon or citrus with water and other acidic foods. However, if you want to drink acidic drinks you may use straw that will protect your enamel.
- Visit the dentist: You must go for regular check-ups and cleanings that will help to get the exact condition of your mouth.
Is your enamel being damaged? Book an appointment
Your bad habits such as teeth grinding or consumption of excessive alcohol may damage your enamel. If you want to keep your enamel healthy and strong, you must consult experts at Pinnacle Dental who will suggest you good oral practices to follow. Schedule an appointment today if you need advice on how to maintain good oral health or concerned about enamel erosion.