4 Faux Pas of Oral Health

Looking after your teeth is an important part of your overall health. And just as habits like too little sleep or too much sugar can affect how you feel generally, there are everyday habits that quietly work against your oral health, often without you noticing.

Here are four common ones worth watching out for, and what to do instead.

1. Skipping brushing and flossing

Brushing and flossing remove plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that drives tooth decay and gum disease. Skipping them, even occasionally, lets that plaque build up and sets the stage for dental problems down the track.

Consistency is what counts here. Two minutes of brushing twice a day, plus daily flossing, is the simple foundation that prevents most of the trouble.

2. Using your teeth as tools

Do you tear open packaging or pop bottle caps with your teeth? It’s a common habit and a risky one. Your teeth aren’t designed to be tools, and using them that way can chip, crack or otherwise damage them in an instant.

Keep the scissors and bottle openers handy instead. Your teeth will thank you for it.

3. Eating lots of sugary and acidic foods

Sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay, while acidic foods and drinks gradually erode enamel. Frequent consumption of either, especially when grazed throughout the day, keeps your teeth under near-constant attack.

You don’t have to give them up entirely. Keeping them in moderation, and rinsing or brushing a little while afterward, goes a long way to limiting the damage.

4. Smoking

Smoking is among the worst things you can do for your oral health, raising the risk of gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most valuable steps you can take for your teeth and gums, and your overall health too. Support is available if you’d like a hand with it.

A little extra care

Looking after your teeth isn’t always effortless, but it’s genuinely worth it. If your smile could use some extra attention, we’re here to help. Get in touch with TMJ Therapy Centre to book an appointment.