Taking care of your teeth is about more than looking good and flashing that million-dollar smile.
It’s a good financial investment and an investment in your happiness and your well-being. Not only will it prevent you from having to splash out on expensive dental treatment, but it could also save you from the anguish that is dental pain. We all know the basics of oral hygiene. However, there are a few things that could be tripping up your careful daily dental routine and, in fact, causing a lot more damage than you think.
Ignoring symptoms of heartburn
Heartburn, often caused by acid reflux, can lead to dental problems if you do not manage the condition. Speak to your doctor about ways to keep your acid reflux under control in order to prevent the acid from reaching your teeth and gradually eroding their protective layer of enamel.
Try to avoid exposing your teeth to additional acidic substances. For example, while fruit is full of healthy vitamins, over-doing it on citrus fruits and juices could be further stripping your teeth of protective enamel, so go easy on the orange juice. Ensuring you have the right balance is the key to success.
Neglecting your wisdom teeth
Erupting wisdom teeth can be tricky to keep clean. They’re tucked away at the back and often hard to reach. As a result, food and bacteria can get caught behind them and underneath the gums. This can lead to infection, decay, and pain. If you have partially erupted or erupting wisdom teeth, make sure you’re taking extra care to brush around and behind them and doing all you can to keep them clean. If your wisdom teeth are causing you misery, infection, or growing in the wrong direction, you can visit https://bestdentistinhouston.com/blog/wisdom-teeth-removal-cost/ for expert dental advice and to discuss extraction options.
Using your teeth in place of a bottle opener, or other tools
Yes, it looks cool. It might impress one or two people at a party or save you the effort of getting up to rifle through the kitchen drawers, but it won’t be so cool when you’ve chipped your tooth and are forced to rock the jagged tooth look over the weekend while the dentist surgery is closed. Protect those teeth as though they were of great value because they are. Teeth are costly to repair and replace, and they will then require ongoing upkeep. Instead, attach a bottle opener onto your key ring, and your problem is solved. You’ll be everyone’s hero at a party and will be keeping those teeth safely out of harm’s way.
To conclude
Oral hygiene is about more than brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and swilling some mouthwash occasionally. Caring for your teeth is also about your daily habits and choices, and the ways in which they impact upon your overall health as well as your dental health. Making sensible and healthy choices and putting a little extra effort into caring for your teeth has the potential to save you money, pain, and long-term future problems.