After investing time and money in your smile, the last thing you want to do is undo your efforts. The following five lifestyle practices may actually be harming your teeth.
Restrictive Diets
Strict low-calorie and elimination diets are likely harming your teeth. Such diets are often unbalanced, failing to provide essential nutrients for good oral health. Moreover, malnutrition can compromise the immune system, making you susceptible to infections, such as periodontitis.
Drinking Wine
While acidic drinks such as soda and coffee are notorious for harming your teeth, wine is equally harmful. The acidic content of wine can erode enamel, and that breakdown can result in stains no matter what color the wine.
Obsessive Whitening
Everybody wants a whiter smile, but too much whitening will end up harming your teeth. In-office and at-home bleaching treatments increase tooth sensitivity. Additionally, whitening products can irritate the gums. It is still unclear whether bleaching damages tooth enamel.
Facial Piercings
Cheek, lip, and tongue piercings can cause long-lasting problems. The risks of piercing include swelling, infection, and bleeding. Metal jewelry can irritate the inside of the mouth, harming your teeth and irritating gums. Ultimately, tooth loss can result.
Oral Contraceptives
Birth control pills affect the balance of hormones in the body. This imbalance makes women who regularly take the Pill more susceptible to gum disease.
If any of these five items are a factor for you, intensify your oral hygiene program and check with your dentist regularly. Enroll in EDP Dental Plan to start saving up to 70% on dental care. Find a participating dentist by searching our website or call (631) 272-5230 for more information today.
