Caring for your smile isn’t just about regular brushing and flossing. Many people committed to maintaining healthy teeth might unknowingly engage in habits damaging their enamel. Even if you follow a solid oral care routine, your dentist may still find signs of enamel erosion. It’s not uncommon for people to be unaware that some of their daily routines are silently affecting their dental health.
At Rockland Dental Specialists, we prioritize educating our patients on the importance of preserving their enamel. With over two decades of experience, our dental specialists offer a range of advanced treatments to help patients maintain and improve their oral health. Whether considering dental implant surgery or periodontal treatment, you can trust our skilled New York-based specialists for personalized, top-quality care.
What Are Common Habits That Damage Your Enamel?
While tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it’s not invincible. Once it’s worn away, it can’t be restored naturally. For that reason, it’s paramount to be mindful of actions that can cause long-term harm.
Certain behaviors can slowly wear down your enamel over time. By recognizing these habits and making simple changes, you can effectively safeguard your enamel and promote the long-term health of your teeth. Here are the biggest, and surprising, culprits of wearing down your teeth enamel.
Chewing Ice
Chewing on ice may seem harmless as far as bad habits go. It may surprise some to learn that it can seriously affect your enamel. It subjects your teeth to intense pressure and sudden temperature shifts, which can slowly wear down your enamel. Over time, this weakens the protective layer, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to damage.
Consuming Acidic Drinks
Acidic beverages like soda, citrus juices, and sports drinks can gradually erode tooth enamel. Regular consumption can lead to enamel thinning, discoloration, and even sensitivity. If you find it difficult to steer clear of these beverages, consider reducing your consumption and rinsing your mouth with water afterward to help mitigate their effects.
Brushing Too Hard
While brushing your teeth is non-negotiable for good oral hygiene, brushing too vigorously can be harmful. Aggressive brushing wears down enamel and can cause gum recession, exposing your teeth’s sensitive root areas. Over time, this can increase sensitivity and lead to a higher risk of cavities.
Grinding Your Teeth
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common habit that many people are unaware of. This condition often occurs at night and can gradually wear down enamel, leading to chips, cracks, and tooth sensitivity. If you think you might be grinding your teeth, wearing a protective guard while you sleep can prevent further damage and help preserve your enamel.
Frequent Snacking
Frequent snacking during the day can subject your teeth to extended periods of acid exposure. Each time you eat, the bacteria in your mouth produce acids that weaken enamel. If you’re frequently snacking, your teeth are continually exposed to these harmful acids, increasing the risk of enamel erosion.
Aim to reduce the number of snacks you consume between meals, and when you do indulge, opt for options that are low in sugar and acidity. Drinking water after snacking can also help wash away food particles and neutralize acids.
Eating Too Many Sugary Foods
It’s no secret that sugar is terrible for your teeth, not just because of cavities. Foods high in sugar encourage the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth, which release acids that can damage enamel. Excessive sugar consumption over time can result in enamel erosion and heightened tooth sensitivity. When you do indulge, brush your teeth afterward or rinse with water to reduce the impact of the sugar on your enamel.
Speak to a Specialist at Rockland Dental in New York Today
Maintaining healthy enamel is vital to preserving your smile and protecting your teeth from future issues. Our experienced team of board-certified endodontists and periodontists at Rockland Dental Specialists is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal oral health. Whether you’re interested in dental implants, laser surgery, or periodontal treatments, we provide personalized care using the latest technologies.
Protect your smile with the highest-quality care in New York. Call Rockland Dental Specialists at (845) 400-9205 to learn more about our endodontic and periodontal services or to book an appointment online.
