It’s often said that the first thing people notice about someone is their smile. A smile can be welcoming, put people at ease, and brighten up a room. Taking care of that smile with regular homecare and visits to the dentist should help keep it gleaming. But there are some bad habits that can threaten your smile.
Anything that makes you want to use your teeth as a tool
We’re probably all guilty of this one. When you just can’t get that bag of chips open, your teeth are the closest tool between you and your afternoon snack. Most of the time it’s not a big deal, and nothing happens. But when it comes to using your teeth to get that hangnail or hold a pencil, think of all the bacteria you’re introducing into your body. Ask any dental professional, and they can tell you some stories of front teeth lost to a beer bottle. Don’t take the risk—find the right tool for the job.
You might also be interested in: Dear Patient: White teeth aren't everything
Ice and hard candies
Speaking of breaking teeth, that satisfying crunch from ice and hard candies not only can cause a cusp to sheer off a molar; regular crunching on really hard stuff can also cause microfractures that can lead to cracks. Often patients tell me they broke a tooth while eating bread or something rather soft. But how much pressure has that poor tooth been subjected to before that happened?
A toothbrush that isn't yours
All the bugs hanging out in your mouth can be shared through things like kissing or using someone else’s toothbrush. I’ve seen patients go from a healthy mouth to bleeding gums only to discover they have a new love interest. While I’m not going to tell you who to kiss, I will say keep your toothbrush to yourself, especially if you’re sick or immunocompromised. Not only can you end up sharing cold germs; you can also share the microbes that cause cavities and gum disease.
Lemons and limes
While it’s the perfect end to a tequila shot, a habit of sucking on citrus fruits can be dangerous to your teeth. The acids in the fruits cause the pH in your mouth to drop, putting your teeth at risk. Lemons have a pH between 2-3, and tooth enamel can begin to erode when the pH in your mouth is below 5.5. If you have recession, your exposed root surfaces aren't covered with enamel and are softer; they can start eroding when your pH is below 6.7.
Cigarettes or e-cigarettes
There are loads of reasons to avoid smoking, vaping, and tobacco, but your mouth would particularly appreciate not having this exposure. Smoking traditional cigarettes puts you at a higher risk for gum disease and implant failure. Vaping can do the same, but we are also seeing a huge increase in cavities among people who vape. Teeth are literally melting away from the ingredients in the vape products. Smokeless tobacco also increases the risk of oral cancer, which has been on the rise.
Unprotected casual oral sex
Speaking of oral cancer: this can be an uncomfortable topic, but oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (ones found in the back of the tongue and throat) are being found in a much younger population. Many of these cancers are thought to have been contracted through exposure to HPV through unprotected oral sex. The good news is there’s a safe and effective vaccine recommended for both males and females between the ages of 9 and 45.
Breaking bad habits is hard. But breaking teeth can affect your whole-body health—not to mention it's expensive and unsightly! Take care of your teeth so they can take care of you.
