Everyone has little personal habits that we engage in each and every day. Some are harmless, while others are not. In fact, your daily habits may be causing some serious damage to your overall health and your oral health. When it comes to your teeth and gums, here are some habits that you should definitely avoid:
- Drinking sports drinks, energy drinks and/or soda — If you indulge in these beverages every day – or even just a few times a week – you should stop. Sports drinks, energy drinks and sodas are loaded with sugar and acids that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Even sugar-free sodas are bad because of the carbonation and acids contained in these drinks. For a healthier choice, just sip on water throughout the day. You’ll save calories, be more hydrated, and enjoy better oral health.
- Tobacco products – Whether you smoke it or chew it, using tobacco products spells trouble for your teeth and gums. Smoking tobacco stains teeth, and chewing tobacco has been linked to oral cancer and often causes gum disease. If you can’t quit tobacco on your own, talk to a health professional about effective methods to help you kick the habit.
- Chewing on anything hard – Chewing ice or hard candy can easily result in broken or cracked teeth. Even gnawing on the end of a pencil – a habit some people engage in without even realizing it – is not good for your teeth. If you feel the need to chew on something, try sugar-free gum instead.
- Snacking on sugary treats – Sugar increases the amount of bad bacteria inside your mouth, and that will eventually lead to tooth decay. Skip any snack with sugar in it, and replace it with more healthy options, like fruit or crunchy vegetables, for example. If produce doesn’t appeal to you, try cheese and nuts instead of candy and other sugary foods. Cheese not only contains protein and calcium – both of which are good for your teeth – it also helps to balance the pH level inside your mouth. That means snacking on cheese is actually good for your oral health!
- Using your mouth as a tool – Your teeth may seem invincible, but they’re not. If you use them as a tool, they’re likely to crack or chip. Use an actual tool instead – like scissors or a bottle opener, for example.
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums isn’t nearly as challenging as it may seem. Just remember to brush and floss every day, visit your dentist on a regular basis, and avoid the habits that are dangerous for your oral health.
