Sand_Issue_September-2018

12 wellness
focus
Habits That Destroy
Your Smile
Eating wrong – Foods high in sugars and
starches increase the production of acids that can erode
and weaken the tooth’s enamel. Eventually, these acids
can cause tooth decay. A poor diet can contribute to
gum disease and tooth decay, which will lead to several
health issues in the rest of the body.
Smoking, having coffee, wine –
Smoking or chewing tobacco, drinking coffee and wine
can, over the years, affect your teeth. The enamel on
your teeth has very tiny pits. Stains from coffee, red
wine or tobacco can get locked into them. Plaque on
the teeth also leads to staining of teeth. Over time, this
outside staining can permeate the teeth and dull their
colour. Try cutting down on the frequency and quantity
of teeth-staining foods and drinks.
Using your teeth to open items –
When you use your teeth to open or break objects such
as thick tape, string, tags, plastic, or food containers,
you can crack or break a tooth. Even small tasks like
cutting thread with your teeth can cause damage if you
do it for years. Eventually, you’ll develop a groove in
your teeth, which will change the appearance of
your tooth.
Bleaching your teeth
excessively – Overzealous
bleaching can cause your teeth to
look unnaturally white and increase
tooth sensitivity. Talk to your dentist
before you use an at-home bleaching
product.
Lack of regular
care – The Academy of
General Dentistry recommends
regular care because of the small
amount of time it takes for
bacteria to invade the mouth,
even if it's clean. Studies
have shown that plaque will
regrow on teeth that are
completely clean within
three to four hours of
brushing. Dental experts
recommend that patients
brush thoroughly twice a
day, floss once a day and
rinse with mouthwash
when necessary to remove
plaque and keep the mouth
free from bacteria.
yourwellness.com