No one wants to intentionally damage their teeth. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize some of their seemingly harmless habits could be destroying their teeth. To help you with that we’re creating an Eight Commandments for Healthy Teeth.
Thou Shalt Not Brush Immediately After Breakfast
You think you’re doing a good thing. After all, you’ve likely heard it’s ideal to brush after every meal. The problem isn’t the meal. The problem is the drink. Most people drink orange juice or coffee with their breakfast. These beverages contain ingredients that are harmful when brushed into your teeth. You can still brush, just make sure you neutralize their ingredients first by swishing some water around in your mouth first.
Thou Shalt Not Use a Hard Toothbrush
I know hard bristles get more out. That’s true, if you’re cleaning the tough spots in your shower. But, your teeth are more effectively cleaned with a soft bristled brush. Anything hard will damage your gums and enamel.
Thou Shalt Not Rinse After Brushing
You wouldn’t wash little nuggets of gold down the sink. If I told you that toothpaste left on your teeth is oral hygiene gold, would you leave it there? Every time you leave the toothpaste on your teeth, you’re giving yourself a mini fluoride treatment.
Thou Shalt Not Drink Only Bottled Water
Speaking of fluoride, it’s important you drink fluorinated water. That means water from your tap. the lovely water that comes in a bottle may be convenient, but it contains no fluoride. So, every day, make sure you grab yourself a glass and turn on the tap.
Thou Shalt Not Constantly Snack
Snacking affects more than your waistline. It damages your teeth. Your saliva helps destroy the bacteria that comes from eating. When you eat often, your mouth never gets a break and has to work overly hard.
Thou Shalt Not Use Your Teeth As a Bottle Opener
You will damage, and possibly even break your teeth. Take the extra few seconds to get an actual bottle opener. Your teeth will thank you.
Thou Shalt Not Skip Flossing
I know. I know. You’re tired. But truthfully, flossing helps stave off gum disease. It doesn’t take that long and the benefits are numerous.
Though Shalt Not Grind Thy Teeth
OK, most people don’t even realize they’re doing this, especially those who do it in their sleep. But, grinding your teeth will not only wear them down, it can cause them to break. Your dentist can provide you with a comfortably fitting, custom made mouthguard to protect you from grinding.
Follow these few, simple thoughts and you’ll have a better chance keeping your teeth healthy.
Dr. Mike Malone and his team practice expert cosmetic dentistry in Lafayette, LA. Dr. Malone is the former president and current accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also the official Cosmetic Dentist of the Miss Louisiana USA and Miss Louisiana Teen USA pageants. Check out his website for more information.