In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be somewhat easy to forget to focus on your teeth and oral health. However, good oral health practices can help not only avoid dental issues but save you time and money in the long run.
Here are some of the top habits that can wreak havoc on your oral health. Are you guilty of them?
Stop doing this if you want good dental health
Skipping brushing your teeth
Simply put, brushing your teeth is the easiest way to keep dental issues at bay. You should brush for two minutes twice a day minimum and floss your teeth once a day at minimum. Removing bacteria and plaque is key to avoiding cavities and gum disease. An electric toothbrush can offer even more benefits like stimulating gums and removing debris from places that are hard to reach. But the bottom line, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Consuming acidic food and beverages
Food and drink like tomatoes and tomato sauce, citrus juice, and sports drinks are acidic and can erode enamel if consumed regularly. When enamel is eroded, your teeth can appear darker and will not respond to bleaching. They can also become more sensitive.
Now, you certainly can consume these things within reason, but if teeth experience enamel erosion, the only option is veneers to cover the area that is affected. So, consume with care!
Not hydrating your body
Believe it or not, staying hydrated with water is important for your oral health, just as it is for your physical health. If you don’t consume water enough, you run the risk of dehydration, which can lead to bacteria in your mouth and more cavities…and, ultimately, periodontal disease.
The bonus of all of the above recommendations? You’ll have fewer dental visits and likely need fewer crowns (if any at all!) and be free of gum disease – and help to keep your natural teeth for your life!
Your Birmingham, MI dentist
As a leader in the dental industry, Dr. Mitchell Milan and his team have been helping folks just like you get their best oral health. With treatments that address preventative, cosmetic, and restorative issues, Birmingham Center for Cosmetic Dentistry can handle any and all oral issues you may come across.