Team DailyPedia
When we were young, we were often asked by our parents to brush our teeth after every meal. Then, when we met our dentists, we were told to floss and use mouthwash to get rid of developing plaque and germs inside our mouth. While these are really helpful, there are everyday habits that actually can be harmful to our natural choppers. Let’s look at them one by one.
1. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
Dr. Peter Alldritt, chairman of the Australian Dental Association’s Oral Health Committee says hard-bristled brushes can be damaging to your gums. It will scrape the gum tissue around the teeth and what’s worse is that once it’s gone, it will never grow back. What he suggests is buy a soft toothbrush and change it every three months. It would also be good to change your brush when you have a cold or flu as it can be a haven for viruses.
2. Brushing straight after breakfast
This is a case to case basis, like if you consumed anything acidic for breakfast like fruit or orange juice. The acid from the food actually softens your teeth’s enamel so if you brush too soon, you will just cause damage to your teeth. Wait at least an hour after eating before you clean your teeth.
3. Eating between meals
Avoiding snacks in between meals are not only for those who diet but also for those who wanted to keep their teeth for longer period. Every time we eat, the bacteria in the mouth creates acid from the food. Dr. Alldrit explains, “Saliva neutralizes the acid. If you eat something for lunch and get an acid attack, within an hour its neutralized, but if you have a snack all of a sudden you’re getting another acid attack and that is where the decay happens because the amount of acidity outweighs the amount of time your mouth is neutral.”
4. Using your teeth as a tool
While people with the ability to unscrew bottle caps and open coconuts using only their teeth are impressive, dentists don’t recommend it, especially since it can break your teeth.
5. Drinking dark-colored drinks
What are those dark drinks? Cola, coffee, tea (even the green ones), and red wine have the potential to stain your molars. Stay away from them even if they have no sugar because it’s the acid that’s dangerous.
6. Flossing backward and forward
While dentists suggest flossing often to remove the stuff the brush did not get, there is actually a right method on how to do it. Simply curve the floss around the teeth before moving the floss up and down to remove all residue, says Dr. Alldrit.
7. Thumb sucking
If your kids suck their fingers after their permanent teeth come out, tell them to stop it, else it will permanently affect their teeth and jaw structure as they grow up. Retired dentist Richard Price says thumb=sucking can cause teeth misalignment which leads to chewing and breathing problems.
8. Not wearing a mouthgard during sport activities
Standard mouthguards cannot really protect your teeth as it easily loosens its grip so purchase custom made mouthguards for better security.
9. Rinse after brushing
While you think it will deeply clean your teeth, it doesn’t. Dentists say you’re washing off the good flouride from the toothpaste left on your teeth. By not rinsing, you’re actually “giving yourself a mini fluoride treatment every day,” Dr. Alldrit says.
10. Using a toothpick aggressively
When there’s no floss, toothpicks are the best way to remove the food stuck in between our teeth. However, we have to be gentle when doing so, else we’ll damage our gum tissue.
Do you have more oral tips or habits you want to share? Write them in the comments below.
Featured image via medguru.lt
