Every Day Habits That Ruin Your Teeth

Not everyone realizes that every day habits involving your teeth actually contribute to the degradation of your teeth. Without even noticing, some people open packaging with their teeth, drink copious amounts of sugary drinks, and chew on ice as if it were sugar-free gum. "These three habits are just a few of the many ways in which your teeth can be damaged," says Woodlands dentist, Dr. Dernick, DDS. Read about the others below:

You plan meals, grab drinks, and play sports without giving much thought to your teeth. But you might not realize how food, beverages, and activities can wreck the health of your pearly whites. Twenty-five percent of U.S. adults over age 65 have lost all their teeth - here's how you can protect your own. 

Sugar and Teeth
Sugar is the No. 1 enemy of your teeth, and the longer it stays in your mouth, the worse it is. Sugar is consumed by acid-producing bacteria in your mouth. The acids eat away at tooth enamel. Avoid foods like jelly candies, which stick in your teeth longer than other foods and bathe them in sugar. Dried fruit such as raisins are no better. Reach for fresh fruit instead.

The Woodlands Dentist

Beverages and Teeth 

Soda is just plain bad for teeth, sugar-free or not. "You're bathing teeth in an acid environment," says Robert Sorin, DDS, clinical instructor in the department of dentistry and oral surgery at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Club soda is harmful, too, because of its acidity, and so are juices with added sugar. 

Alcohol, even just a glass of wine, is also acidic and can erode the teeth. In addition, alcohol dries out your mouth, reducing saliva production. "Saliva bathes the teeth and helps remove plaque and bacterial accumulations from the teeth's surface. Less plaque equals less risk for bacterial acids to cause decay," Sorin says. Rinse your mouth with water between drinks.

To continue reading the entirety of this article, Dr. Dernick recommends heading over to Web MD to read the rest, here. 

Robert G. Dernick, DDS

1001 Medical Plaza Drive Suite 300
The Woodlands, TX 77380

http://www.drdernickdds.com/

281-367-3900