Although we get two sets during our lifetime, it is still important that we take good care of our teeth. Indeed, without the proper care, we can expect to encounter all sorts of problems from bad breath to infection and tooth loss. The good news is that by identifying the things that can harm our teeth, we can make sure we take steps to avoid or counter them. Keep reading to find out what the most common smile ruining things are below:
Too much sugar:
It tastes great but too much sugar is very bad news for your teeth. This is because it encourages tartar to form which can lead to painful and unsightly gum disease, otherwise known as gingivitis. That’s not the half of it, either, because sugar also combines with the bacteria we all have in our mouths to cause plaque, this is the stuff that erodes tooth enamel and leaves your teeth vulnerable to decay!
Fortunately, there are some tactics you can use to combat the effects of too much sugar on your smile. The first is to try and reduce the amount of sugar that you eat, limiting items like candy, cakes, and sodas. Next, if you do eat something sugary, brushing your teeth right after can help remove excess sugar from the mouth and minimize the effect.
Smoking:
Another thing that can wreak havoc with your smile is smoking. Of course, it’s also disastrous for your health, so there are many reasons to quit as soon as possible. In particular, smoking is known to yellow the teeth and can turn an already unsightly plaque to a nasty brown color. Once again quitting is the best course of action here. Although, as a short-term measure, regular teeth cleaning at the dentist, as well as specialized toothpaste designed for smokers can help.
If you have quit smoking and still notice yellow teeth that you would like to fix, teeth whitening can be an excellent solution. It will get your smile and confidence back and this can make a huge impact on your daily life. If you’re considering teeth whitening, use resources like this “Busting Teeth Whitening Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction” article to learn more about the process, products, and practitioners that can help.
Putting off going to the dentist:
While we are on the subject of dentists, putting off your appointment can severely impact your smile too. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why people may not go to the dentist as often as they should such as anxiety and embarrassment that they haven’t taken care of their oral health in the right way.
Of course, the longer that you leave between appointments the more damage you are likely to do to your smile. You can make regular dental appointments a great deal easier for yourself by finding a good dentist, one that is friendly and non-judgmental. Many dental practices even specialize in helping particularly anxious patients now, which can make the whole experience much easier.
If you struggle with anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist, you will want to prioritize finding one that is understanding and works in a setting you are comfortable in. Look for reviews of dentists and practices online by searching for a “Dentist in Madison MS” (or your local area). Then, once you have narrowed down your options, call the practices to see what they can do to make the appointment easier for you.
Grinding your teeth:
Last of all, you may be ruining your smile by grinding your teeth. Teeth grinding is when a person unconsciously forces their jaw together in a slight chewing motion and can be linked to stress. The problem with teeth grinding is that it can put far too much pressure on each tooth and make them much more likely to crack and wear away, something that can be both painful and unsightly.
To counter teeth grinding and improve your smile it may be useful to wear a mouth guard at night. Also, finding some ways that are effective for reducing stress may help you minimize this habit and save your smile.
Improve your smile with the tips above and flash those pearly whites!
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