February 9 marks Toothache Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about dental health and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices. While regular brushing and flossing are essential for healthy teeth and gums, there are everyday habits that many people engage in unknowingly that can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
In this article, we’ll explore nine common daily habits that may be harming your teeth and oral health.
1. Brushing Hard: It is very important to brush your teeth twice a day. But if you brush too hard, you are doing more harm than good to your teeth. Brushing too hard can wear down the enamel, a protective layer, leading to increased sensitivity and vulnerability to cavities. Aggressive brushing can also cause your gums to recede, exposing the sensitive root surfaces of your teeth. This can lead to increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
2. Incorrect Brushing Technique: Brushing the wrong way can lead to inadequate plaque removal and gum irritation. It’s important to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and use gentle, circular motions to clean all tooth surfaces. Additionally, be sure to brush for at least two minutes twice a day.
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3. Choosing the Wrong Toothbrush: Using the wrong toothbrush can harm your teeth and oral health in several ways. Firstly, bristles that are too hard can cause enamel wear and gum recession. Secondly, an improperly sized toothbrush may not effectively reach all areas of the mouth, leaving behind plaque and bacteria. Additionally, using a worn-out toothbrush with frayed bristles can be ineffective at cleaning and may even harbor harmful bacteria.
4. Regular Soda Intake: Consistent consumption of soda, regardless of whether it’s sugar-free, can have detrimental effects on your dental health. While an occasional indulgence may not seem concerning, habitual soda intake warrants caution. Over time, the acidic nature of soda can erode tooth enamel, leading to discoloration and increased susceptibility to cavities. Opting for alternative beverages like fruit juices or wine, which also contain acidity but to a lesser extent than soda, is a prudent choice to safeguard your teeth from such harm.
*Note: Always rinse your mouth after drinking water with apple cider vinegar since the acids present in ACV can damage your enamel.
5. High Sugar Diet: Sugar poses the greatest threat to dental health, being consumed by acid-producing bacteria in the mouth. These acids, in turn, erode tooth enamel. To counteract this, it’s advisable to steer clear of sticky sweets like jelly candies, which linger on teeth longer. Additionally, some dried fruits, such as raisins and prunes can also adhere to teeth. Choosing fresh fruits over these sticky alternatives helps minimize the risk of prolonged sugar exposure and protects tooth enamel. Consuming these items in moderation and rinsing your mouth with water afterward can help minimize the damage to your teeth.
6. Biting Nails: Many people have the habit of biting their nails, often as a response to stress or anxiety. However, this habit can be detrimental to oral health as it can chip or crack teeth and even lead to jaw dysfunction. Additionally, bacteria and germs from the nails can be transferred to the mouth, increasing the risk of infection.
7. Using Teeth as Tools: Using your teeth to open packages, tear off tags, or crack nuts may seem convenient, but it can cause significant damage to your teeth. Teeth are designed for chewing food, not as tools for miscellaneous tasks. Misusing them can lead to fractures, chips, or even the loss of teeth.
8. Teeth Grinding: Bruxism or teeth grinding and clenching, often occurs during sleep or in response to stress. Over time, this habit can wear down tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity, tooth fractures, and jaw pain. Using a mouthguard at night or practicing stress-relief techniques can help alleviate bruxism.
9. Skipping Regular Dental Checkups: Many people neglect regular dental checkups until they experience pain or discomfort. However, routine dental visits are essential for preventive care and early detection of oral health issues. Your dentist can identify potential problems early on and provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices.
So, while the idea of celebrating a toothache may sound strange, the intention behind observing Toothache Day is far from celebrating discomfort. Instead, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of dental health and the significance of taking proactive steps to prevent such pains.
(The article is written by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor)