Beautiful, healthy teeth require regular dental care. Nevertheless, despite great oral hygiene habits, some things cause significant damage to your teeth.
Preventive dentistry is better than any cure, focusing on avoiding dental issues rather than fixing them. At New Dimension Dentistry in Midtown East, Manhattan, preventive dentistry specialist Doris Giraldo, DDS, offers safe treatments like dental implants and laser dentistry to help you maintain your preventive care routine.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is a significant first step in preventive dentistry. Establishing healthy habits like daily flossing and brushing keep your pearly whites dazzling, but you may be developing habits that harm your oral health without even knowing it.
The best thing you can do for your teeth is to visit the dentist regularly. But the worst things you can do for your teeth might not even be on your radar. Here are some surprising dental habits that could be harming your oral health.
This bad habit crops up in the summertime when you reach for an ice cream cone to cool off. Try avoiding eating ice cream or other sugary treats too often. The combination of acid and sugar is bad for teeth. Cold ice cream can also trigger a toothache, especially if you’re struggling with gum disease.
In addition to many calories, fruit juices also contain a high proportion of citric acid. Citric acid damages tooth enamel and dentin, an essential part of the tooth substance. If you drink fruit juice, brush your teeth thoroughly after each serving.
A glass of red wine is wonderful, especially on beautiful summer evenings. There’s no reason you can’t enjoy a drink occasionally, but if it becomes a frequent pleasure, it will lead to unsightly deposits of dyes on the tooth surface. Nicotine, coffee, and teas also stain teeth.
Unfortunately, you can’t believe everything on the internet, including natural teeth whitening advice or recipes. For example, Dr. Giraldo doesn’t recommend using a baking soda and lemon juice bleaching solution to brighten your smile. Baking soda alone can remove plaque from your teeth, but adding lemon juice to any concoction eats away your tooth enamel and exposes sensitive dentin underneath. We recommend professional teeth whitening to preserve optimal oral health.
Mouthwashes are an excellent addition to oral hygiene, but only in moderation. Excessive use of mouthwash can upset the balance of good and bad bacteria in your mouth, leading to gum disease. Use mouthwash as directed, though, and this imbalance won’t become a problem.
Finally, it’s important to brush your teeth the right way. Incorrect brushing habits, such as vigorous scrubbing with a toothbrush, can cause serious damage to your teeth. Always use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently massage your gums for the best result.
At New Dimension Dentistry, we’re dedicated to oral healthcare and ensuring excellent standards for every dental treatment. We’re committed to providing you with a comfortable space and compassionate staff at each visit. Call us today or request an appointment online now.
