Since childhood, you’ve been told how important it is to brush and floss your teeth, but that’s not the only way to protect them. Sometimes, what you stop doing can have the greatest impact.
Here, our expert dentists at Lifetime Dental Care in Woodbridge, Virginia, highlight a few habits you should avoid to have the healthiest smile possible.
More vigorous brushing doesn’t necessarily equate to healthier teeth. In fact, scrubbing too hard can damage your gums and teeth. In addition to softer strokes, we also recommend using a soft-bristled brush.
Soft bristles with careful, intentional brushing are all you need to keep your teeth clean.
Repeat after us: My teeth are not tools. If you use your teeth to trim your nails or open a package, your teeth and jaw pay the price. Leave those tasks to the real tools.
It’s hard to resist chomping on the ice left over from your refreshing drink, but doing so raises your risk of breaking a tooth or filling. Try drinking through a straw or going ice-free to help you kick the habit.
Bruxism (teeth clenching or grinding) is a problem many people don’t even realize they have. The result of bruxism (subconscious or otherwise) is damaged teeth, muscle pain, restricted jaw movement, and even headaches.
We can spot the warning signs of bruxism during a routine cleaning and walk you through some relaxation exercises to help you stop clenching and grinding. Some patients benefit from a nighttime mouth guard.
Tobacco products — of any type — are harmful to your oral health. Using tobacco increases your risk for gum disease, bad breath, dry mouth, tooth decay, and, in the worst cases, oral cancer.
This habit is likely more prevalent in small children but bears repeating. Beyond the age of 5, thumb-sucking is a no-no. Over time, thumb-sucking results in alignment problems, which usually require orthodontic intervention.
You probably never thought we’d come after toothpicks, but it’s one of the sneakiest ways to develop an oral health problem. Poking around your mouth with anything other than a dental implement can damage your teeth and spark an infection in your gums.
We recommend keeping a roll of floss handy if you need to clean your teeth while on the go.
Few things are more refreshing than a cold, bubbly soda. However, all that sugar and acid erodes your teeth, making them susceptible to cavities. This goes for any sugary treat: candy, sugary gum, and the like.
Do your best to limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks and consider swapping them for healthier options.
Last but not least: Dodging the dentist. Even if you think you have the best oral hygiene routine, there’s no guarantee you’re getting your teeth perfectly clean. That’s why it’s so important to see us for regular checkups and cleanings.
We’re also the only place where you can get real answers to your pressing oral health questions and ensure that early warning signs of serious conditions are addressed.
If you’re overdue for a checkup, don’t wait another day. Call our office at 703-499-9779, or use our online booking tool to talk with one of our experts today.