How Are We Unconsciously Damaging Our Teeth?

Could we be subconsciously damaging our teeth? If we are brushing our teeth twice daily, visiting the dentist regularly, surely our teeth must be fine?

toothache

We wish that was the case! We might have a really good dental hygiene routine, but there are plenty of things we do unconsciously every single day that are seriously damaging our teeth – let’s take a closer look.

Snacking

Most people will brush their teeth in the morning and then again before going to bed. So what happens to our teeth during the day when we are chowing down at lunch and dinner and munching on snacks in between meals.

snacks-harm-teeth

Snacking in between meals is damaging our teeth and gums as it increases the contact that food has with our teeth causing plaque to develop, leading to cavities. If you need to have a snack then try to stick to crudités as the raw vegetables help to clean your teeth naturally. Definitely not as good as cakes or chocolate but much better for your smile.

Flossing after brushing

floss-your-teeth

For many years, dentists have been urging people to make a habit out of flossing. But flossing is only effective when done correctly. The one common mistake people make when it comes to flossing is doing it at the wrong time. We should floss our teeth prior to brushing and not afterwards. Flossing acts like a pre-wash for brushing and makes brushing more effective.

Brushing right after eating

brushing-teeth

Brushing right after eating, drinking acidic drinks or even being sick is seriously damaging to teeth. After eating a meal, you should wait at least 30 or 40 minutes to allow saliva to naturally neutralise the low PH in the mouth caused by eating before brushing. If you brush immediately after eating, the acid in the mouth gets brushed into the teeth and causes erosion. Erosion of the enamel can cause devastating dental problems such as sensitive and weak teeth.

Using our teeth for anything other than eating

open-bottle-with-teeth

By this we mean using our teeth to do things such as opening bottles or packets, Don’t use your teeth to tear labels off of clothing or to hold things such as car park tickets while you find a space to park. If you’re not careful, one of these simple day-to-day habits could cause damaging problems with your teeth.

Using the wrong toothbrush is damaging too

old-toothbrush

Never use hard-bristled toothbrushes. Medium-bristled is the best choice for most of us. Hard bristled toothbrushes can be damaging on our teeth and gums and wear down the enamel. If your toothbrush is old and worn you could be harming your teeth. Using the wrong toothbrush is just as bad as not brushing at all. The kinder you are to your teeth, the better!

Always keep your dentist and hygienist appointments

Your dentist and hygienist will be able to spot problems long before you do. Always keep your appointments. If you are looking for a dentist or hygienist near you click the link below and type in your location. You can use the advanced search to find NHS or Private dentists as well as search for a Hygienist.