Habits To Avoid If You Want To Keep Healthy Teeth
Posted March 10, 2016 by Wager-Evans Dental
The services available from your dentist to keep your mouth healthy can be vital. If you are smart about your daily habits, you can reduce the level of dental assistance you need to preserve a healthy mouth. While there are no routine behaviors that can replace your dentist’s services, there are behaviors you can avoid to limit your risks. Certain foods and beverages can be more likely to create cavities than others. If you smoke or use chewing tobacco, you can be at risk for several issues.
Watch Out For Tobacco
Tobacco products can stain your teeth, potentially to the point that you will need a professional whitening to eliminate their effects. These items can also adversely affect your health, as they can contribute to gum disease, slow your recovery after a dental procedure, and even increase your risk for oral cancer. Quitting these products – or avoiding them altogether – can be a big benefit to your oral health.
Limit Your Intake Of Sugar
The bacteria in your mouth secrete acids as part of their digestion process. The more sugar you consume, the more they have to feed on, and the more your enamel is taxed by those acids. While sugar in moderation is not the end of the world, too much sugar could mean needing a dental filling to take care of a cavity at your next dental appointment.
Are You Drinking Enough Water?
Water can help wash away food particles and other debris that can cause problems for your teeth. Replacing soft drinks with water at meals can help you cut back on sugar. Tap water can offer the added benefit of fluoride, which can help strengthen your enamel.