My family's dental health is important to me. Unfortunately for me, it is not as important to my little ones. Getting my kids to brush and floss on a daily basis is almost like taking on an obstacle course. I talked to my family's dentist about different methods I could try to encourage them to brush and floss on a regular basis. Some of the tricks worked, some did not. After some experimentation and talking to other parents, I was able to come up with a lot of great tips for helping kids care for their teeth. I started this blog to help other parents get creative when it comes to their kids and dental care.
Bella Snyder
Most people know that they have to brush and floss their teeth regularly in order to take care of them. However, they forget that there are other things that can cause problems for their teeth. Here are three habits that are very bad for your teeth.
1. Using your teeth to open or tear things.
It is quite common for people to use their teeth as tools. If you encounter a bottle cap that refuses to budge, there can be no better tool to open it than your teeth. However, getting into the habit of using your teeth to open or tear things can spell trouble for your teeth. Not only do you run the risk of chipping your teeth, but it can also lead to tooth loss.
In addition to the cosmetic issues this habit can cause, it can also lead to massive jaw pain. So the next time you catch yourself about to use your teeth to open or tear something, think again and seek assistance another way.
2. Drinking sugary drinks regularly.
Everyone knows they need to kick their sugary drink habit to the curb for their physical health, but did you also know that the health of your teeth depend on it as well? Getting into the habit of drinking soft drinks and sweetened fruit drinks regularly can lead to a major tooth decay problem.
If you just can't function every day without having at least one sugary soft drink, then the best thing to do is to not sip on it all day long. Instead, you should drink it in one sitting and brush your teeth after you are finished with it, if possible. At the very least, you should rinse your mouth out with water after you have finished your sugary drink.
3. Skipping out on brushing before bed.
When it comes to brushing your teeth, it can be tempting to get into the habit of skipping the task right before bed. After all, you should be fine as long as you brushed your teeth earlier in the day, right?
Wrong. If you don't brush your teeth before you go to bed, then all of that food, sugar, acid, and bacteria festers in your mouth overnight. Not only can all of that lead to tooth decay, but it can also cause gum disease. Gum disease can cause bad breath, as well as tooth and jawbone loss.
So the next time you are tempted to skip out on brushing before bed, think about all of the bad things that habit can cause. Those thoughts alone will likely send you running for your toothbrush fairly quickly.
Avoid these bad habits and continue to see a certified dentist, like those at Simmons Craig A D D S, regularly for a clean and healthy smile.