These Bad Habits Can Hurt Your Teeth
While it is good to have a normal practice of brushing and flossing every day, this isn't always enough to take care of your teeth. You might be doing some bad habits each day that are hurting your teeth more than you realize. Here are some bad habits to break right now.
Brushing Immediately After Eating
Many people like to brush their teeth after eating, whether because they wear braces or because they want to have their teeth as clean as possible all day long. The problem is that if you were eating something acidic, brushing right after a meal can actually push the acid further into the tooth enamel. If you insist on brushing after a meal, you should first rinse your mouth with plain water to get rid of the acid on your teeth and then go in and brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Having Too Much Acid
Speaking of eating or drinking things that are too acidic, you want to try and reduce your consumption of these items as much as possible. Acidic foods and drinks can gradually reduce the enamel on your teeth by eroding it, which can then leave your teeth susceptible to damage and staining. You can never get your enamel back, so it is important to protect it as much as possible. This begins with avoiding having too much acid in your diet, such as with lemons or lemonade.
Brushing Too Hard
You want your teeth to be pearly white and clear from bacteria and food debris, but brushing harder isn't going to get your teeth any cleaner. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be careful with how much pressure you use when brushing your teeth. If you have irritated gums, but you know you have a good oral-hygiene regimen, talk to your dentist about this. They might find that your hard brushing is the culprit and not gum disease, and the solution to that problem is as simple as laying off on the extremely hard pressure.
Using Too Many Whitening Products
Whitening your teeth allows you to get rid of stains from coffee, tea and dark berries, but it can also harm your teeth. When using over-the-counter bleaching products, try to reduce the frequency and consider whether you really need to whiten your teeth as often as you do. These can lead to damage of your enamel and make your teeth more sensitive. A better option is to get professional whitening treatment from your dentist.