Most people have heard that they should brush and floss daily and visit the dentist at least twice a year. However, there are certain things that have nothing to do with brushing or flossing that could be affecting your dental health.
Many people have no idea how their lifestyle is responsible for the poor state of their teeth. Take a look at some of the reasons for your teeth problems that may surprise you.
Smoking
You’ve heard that smoking affects your lungs and can increase your chances of cancer. However, what you might not know is that it’s also ruining your teeth. When you smoke, the toxins in tobacco products reduce your saliva levels, making it easier for plaque to stick to your teeth and gums.
It also increases your chances of gum disease and mouth cancer. Not to mention your teeth will be considerably more yellow as a smoker. If not for the benefit of your health, at least quit smoking for your vanity!
Candy
Sure, candy may be a pleasant treat here and there, but the truth is that they’re sucking the years off of your teeth. Candy, and yes, even cough drops are full of sugar. When you suck on candies or chew them, they make your mouth a breeding ground for bacteria. The sticky substance will cling to your mouth, making bacteria stick around.
If you eat candy occasionally, then you should at least rinse your mouth out afterward.
Chewing Ice
It’s a common habit to get to the bottom of your beverage and chew on the remaining pieces of ice. The problem is that even though it’s only water, you are wreaking havoc on your teeth and potentially sending yourself to the dentist for a costly procedure.
Ice not only puts you at risk of cracking your teeth, which could require a crown, but it also destroys nail enamel. Do yourself a favor and use ice for chilling your beverage rather than for crunching!
Grinding Teeth
People who live stressful lives are more susceptible to grinding their teeth at night. If you notice that you wake up with loose teeth or a sore jaw, then you should invest in a mouthguard that prevents teeth grinding.
Although it will require a small investment initially, it’s a lot cheaper than having to pay for a crown to replace broken teeth.
Drinking Soda
Soda is one of the worst things on this list because there are so many harmful things about it. Lots of sugar on top of acidity make it a supervillain for your pearly whites. If you want to drink soda, make sure it’s only an occasional habit!
