We all want beautiful, white and healthy teeth. And while we might think we know the best ways to keep our oral health in tip-top shape, we may be making certain mistakes that are hurting our teeth. “We know flossing, brushing and rinsing with mouthwash are important activities when it comes to healthy teeth,” says Dr. Maryam Adibfar, a top Toronto dentist with years of experience in helping people get beautiful teeth. “But there are actually some myths and beliefs out there that we might think are helping our teeth, but really aren’t.”
Let’s take a closer look at four common oral health mistakes you might be making today and some tips to help keep your teeth shining bright.
Ignoring the Grind
While grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw tightly might not seem like a very big deal in the grand scheme of things, this can actually have a big impact on your oral health. “Those who grind their teeth or clench their jaws will often experience chipped or worn teeth, jaw pain and reoccurring headaches,” explains Dr. Adibfar. “The worst thing you can do is ignore the tell-tale signs of grinding and take action.” It may be hard to tell if you’re grinding your teeth at night if you’re sleeping alone, but if you experience jaw soreness, sensitive teeth, constant headaches or chipped teeth, contact your dentist immediately. They can help you take the right steps to minimize damage and protect your teeth.
Brushing After Enjoying Your Tall Glass of Orange Juice
Some people believe that if you eat or drink foods that are high in acidity, brushing your teeth immediately after can help reduce the impact on your teeth. But brushing your teeth can actually wear away the enamel even quicker. “These types of drinks create a very acidic environment in the mouth that weakens teeth enamel, which can lead to quick erosion,” explains Dr. Adibfar. “Rather than reaching for the toothbrush, try to neutralize the acid by drinking plain water or milk. You can even just wait 30-45 minutes.” While brushing is good, be sure you’re brushing a the right time to protect your teeth.
Smoking
We all know that smoking has significant impacts on our health, including damage to the lungs and heart. But we sometimes forget just how bad it is for our teeth. “Aside from the bad breath and stained yellow teeth, smoking can lead to gum disease and even cancer,” explains Dr. Adibfar. “The damages smoking has on your teeth are almost irreversible and will put your oral health in jeopardy.”
Using a Toothpick to Help Clean Your Teeth
We’re sure you’ve reached for a toothpick to help get stubborn foods out of your teeth. Whether it’s sticky candy, a piece of steak or seeds, the traditional wooden toothpicks may be doing more harm than good. “We always tell our patients that toothpicks are not a good substitute for dental floss,” explains Dr. Adibfar. “They can splinter easily and may cause damage to your sensitive gum tissue.” Try packing a bit of dental floss in your purse or suit jacket when you go out for dinner. While it may not look as cool, it can save your teeth from a lot of damage.
The Bottom Line
We can all learn to improve our oral health habits. We sometimes forget that our natural reactions and actions may not be the best for our teeth. But you’re not alone. Lean on your trusted Toronto dentist to help you identify common oral health mistakes you might be making. Together you can keep your teeth looking healthy and beautiful.
Next Steps
Do you have questions about how to keep your teeth healthy or want to schedule check-up, teeth cleaning or routine exam? Contact us directly! Our team looks forward to seeing you.
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Maryam Adibfar on Facebook, Google Plus and Twitter for the latest dental tips, tricks and advice!
A BONUS Just for You!
When you refer a friend, family member or colleague to our office, you’ll receive a $25 gift card to a favourite local coffee shop.
Simply contact our Davisville dental team directly to make a referral! Now that you know how to combat stains, you can enjoy your coffee or tea to the fullest.