Taking care of your dental health is super important. But did you know that some everyday habits could be hurting your teeth and gums? If you’re worried about your smile, our dentist in Lombard, IL, can help you find ways to improve your dental health.
The best way to care for your smile is with regular visits to Dental Care of Lombard. These appointments allow Dr. Julie Glud and our team to catch issues before they require expensive treatment. So, prioritize your dental health – call (630) 629-5700 to schedule an appointment at our Lombard, IL, dental office.
In today’s blog, Dr. Glud reveals 15 things that might be causing harm to your teeth and what you can do about them.
1. Skipping Brushing Before Bed
Brushing your teeth at night is just as important as brushing in the morning. If you skip brushing before bed, plaque and bacteria build up in your mouth.
Plaque is a claggy layer of microscopic organisms and food that collects on teeth. If not regularly removed, it solidifies into tartar, which only a dentist can remove. This can lead to cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.
A proper bedtime brushing routine can prevent this and keep your teeth strong. So, always brush your teeth before bed!
2. Not Flossing Daily
Many people think brushing alone is enough, but a toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth like floss can. Flossing removes food stuck between your teeth, and if you skip flossing, bacteria grow in those spaces, causing cavities and gum problems.
Plaque buildup between your teeth can cause inflammation, leading to gum disease. So, floss every day to keep your dental health in top shape. If flossing feels difficult, try using floss picks or a water flosser for easier cleaning.
3. Drinking Too Many Sugary Drinks
Sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks contain lots of acid and added sugars. When you enjoy high-sugar drinks, the microorganisms in your mouth feast on the sugary goodness and produce tooth-destroying acid. This acid assaults your enamel, causing tooth decay.
The best way to protect your dental health is to limit these drinks and rinse your mouth with water after drinking them.
4. Using Your Teeth as Tools
Do you use your teeth to open bottles or tear packages? Your teeth are strong but not meant to handle excessive pressure, so this behavior can damage teeth. Indeed, using teeth as utensils can lead to fractures, which can be painful and expensive to fix.
Always use scissors or the proper tool instead! If you chip a tooth, see our Lombard dentist right away to prevent further damage.
5. Grinding Your Teeth
Approximately 8% of Americans unknowingly grind their teeth while sleeping. This grinding (also called bruxism) can quickly wear down your pearly whites, leading to pain, sensitivity, and even broken teeth.
Stress or misaligned teeth are often responsible for bruxism. So, if you notice jaw pain or headaches, you might be grinding your teeth in your sleep. Try relaxation techniques before bed and talk to Dr. Glud about getting a custom nightguard.
6. Smoking or Using Tobacco
Tobacco stains your teeth, causes bad breath, and increases your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting will improve your dental health and overall well-being.
If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor or our dentist in Lombard, IL, for resources.
7. Brushing Too Hard
Some people think scrubbing their teeth harder will make them cleaner, but it actually does more harm than good. Gentle brushing removes plaque effectively without damaging your enamel.
Always use a toothbrush with soft (never hard) bristles, and replace your toothbrush if the bristles become frayed.
8. Not Drinking Enough Water
Sipping water throughout the day keeps food particles and bacteria from building up in the mouth. It also helps produce saliva, which protects your teeth and enhances dental health.
Saliva neutralizes acids in your mouth and helps prevent cavities. If you don’t drink enough water, you may experience dry mouth, which increases your risk of tooth decay. Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day.
9. Eating Too Many Sticky or Hard Candies
Gummy candies, stretchy taffy, and chewy caramels can stay in your mouth for a long time, feeding bacteria and leading to cavities. If you indulge in sweets, brush your teeth afterward or chew sugar-free gum to help clean your teeth. Alternatively, try enjoying sugar-gree candy for a guilt-free treat.
10. Ignoring Tooth Pain
Pain is a sign that something is wrong with your dental health. If you have a toothache, don’t wait! Visit our dentist in Lombard, IL, to prevent bigger problems.
Ignoring pain can lead to infections, abscesses, or even tooth loss. If you experience discomfort, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
11. Not Replacing Your Toothbrush
Toothbrushes wear out over time, and a worn-out toothbrush is less effective at removing plaque. If the bristles look like they are splaying outward, then they won’t clean your teeth properly. Replace your toothbrush roughly every four months. If necessary, put a recurring reminder in your calendar to help you remember.
12. Drinking Too Much Coffee or Tea
Coffee and tea turn teeth yellow over time. If you love these beverages, rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize staining.
Tea and coffee also contain acid that can weaken enamel. Try using a straw to limit contact with your chompers, and wait 30 minutes after a cuppa to brush your teeth. Otherwise, you may be buffing the acid into your teeth, thereby harming your dental health.
13. Skipping Regular Dental Checkups
Seeing our Lombard, IL, dentist regularly helps catch problems before they snowball into larger problems. Even if your teeth feel fine, check-ups keep your dental health in good shape.
Dr. Glud can spot cavities, gum disease, and other issues before they become much more serious. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, keeping your dental health on point.
14. Eating Acidic Foods Too Often
Tomatoes, citrus fruits, and vinegar-based foods can weaken enamel. Acidic foods tend to erode enamel quickly, making teeth more sensitive to sweets, acids, heat, and cold.
Eating low-pH foods in moderation and pairing them with less acidic foods can help protect your smile. And remember: Rinse your mouth with water after eating them to reduce the damage.
15. Not Using Remineralizing Toothpaste
Fluoride is the tried-and-true ingredient in toothpaste that strengthens enamel and prevents cavities. However, there is promising research about nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, which remineralizes teeth just as well as fluoride.
Whether you choose a fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite paste, just be sure you’re brushing your teeth daily to keep your dental health in tip-top shape.
Prioritize Your Dental Health at Dental Care of Lombard
By avoiding these 15 habits and visiting our dentist in Lombard, IL, regularly, you can keep your smile healthy and happy for life.
Want more advice about your dental health? Schedule a visit with Dr. Glud here, or call Dental Care of Lombard at (630) 629-5700 for expert care.
