If there is anything that COVID has taught everyone, it is that health should be our utmost priority. Without it, everything is more difficult and quite possibly much less enjoyable. However, one of the best ways to tackle health problems is to prevent them in the first place.
Teeth can be a difficult thing to fix. Along with the fact that this is not something that can usually be sorted at home, and often comes at a great expense, there is the element of having to rely on someone else to have your health in their hands.
This can pose great problems if there is no access to a professional to help. With that in mind, put prevention at the top of the priority list by eliminating these habits to keep those teeth healthy!
Drinking Soda and the Impact on Teeth
Sugar might be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of soda, but that is not the only culprit when it comes to teeth problems! It is actually the acid in soda that can do a grave amount of damage, too, especially to the enamel of the teeth.
Unfortunately, a sip of soda ignites a brutal attack on the enamel for up to 20 minutes after, which means those who enjoy sipping on fizzy beverages throughout the day can expect some erosion problems.
Cut down on sugary drinks to help protect the enamel on the teeth. Also, be sure to wait up to an hour after drinking fizzy drinks before brushing teeth, as the enamel will be weakened from the acid.
Grinding Teeth and the Negative Impacts
Teeth grinding can happen without the person even noticing. It is only when they feel symptoms such as the tightness of the jaw or worn-down teeth that someone might realize something is wrong.
Often, teeth grinding happens during sleep and can be caused by a physical issue such as an overbite but also psychological issues such as anxiety and stress. Clenching of the jaw can also happen while awake and can often remain undetected until the person relaxes and realizes that tension has been released.
Other problems that can arise are headaches, jaw problems, chipped or cracked teeth, or increased sensitivity.
For those who are already experiencing these issues, find an experienced dentist such as the top Houston dental practice, to get expert advice.
Chewing on Non-Food Items and Teeth Problems
The day humans can resist chewing on a pen lid will make history, but until that moment, our habit of chewing on things that are either not designed to be chewed (pen lids) to objects that are difficult to chew (ice cubes) can put unnecessary strain on the jaw and impact the teeth by chipping or damaging them. These habits can also irritate gums, which can lead to a whole new barrel of problems such as exposed nerves, risk of tooth decay, and tooth loss, to name a few!
Instead of reaching for the pen lid, try some sugar-free gum, which also has the added benefit of keeping plaque deposits down and reducing the risk of cavities!
