You brush your teeth twice a day, you floss when you remember to, and you make an effort to keep your smile looking reasonable. The reality is a lot of things that we don’t even think twice about can be a serious detriment to our teeth. Over time, minor mistakes you make daily will add up to sensitivity, enamel wear, or some other dental concern.
At Spire Dental Care Langley, most of the patients are taken aback when their Dentist identifies that the cause of this discomfort was not really expected. It is usually not one big incident that has caused it, but those small, ordinary things that build up over the years.
1. Snacking All Day Long
If you are one of those people who graze throughout the day, you are certainly not alone. Here’s the problem, every time you eat (even healthy snacks) your mouth becomes somewhat acidic. That acid weakens enamel. If one continues to snack, the teeth never get a break to recover.
The result? Cavities love that environment.
In order to optimize your nutritional consumption, it is best to limit yourself to no more than three meals a day, with no snacking in-between meals and if snacking occurs remember to rinse your mouth out immediately after eating. Your Langley Dentist may also recommend that you use a fluoride toothpaste in order to strengthen your enamel against the daily erosion.
2. Brushing Too Hard
There are many people who think the more forceful you brush, the cleaner your teeth get. It doesn’t. It means more damage. Brushing hard scraps the enamel away, and pushes your gums back, which once pushed back; there is no rubber band effect to bring them back.
A soft-bristled toothbrush that uses gentle circular motions is ideal to follow. It is important to be consistent, but you shouldn’t scrub. If you are not sure if you are brushing right, ask your Dentist near me at your next visit. They can show you the proper technique in less than a minute.
3. Chewing on Ice and Hard Objects
It’s such a common habit-chewing on ice after a drink or clamping down on a pen cap while thinking. The pressure could create microscopic cracks in your teeth—a crack that won’t hurt now, but will certainly weaken your enamel in the long run.
When you get a crack, sensitivity and breaking are basically next in line.
If you’re really into crunching on things, you could consider Baby carrots or apple slices for a nice snack. Your teeth will appreciate it.
4. Grinding Your Teeth (Even When You Don’t Know It)
Teeth grinding, or clenching, generally occurs while asleep at night, and most people are not aware that they are doing it until the dentist identifies excessive wear on tooth surfaces during a routine dental check-up.
Grinding can be created from stress, anxiety, or just the way in which you may sleep at night. Grinding can wear down tooth surfaces, and can also contribute to headaches and/or soreness in the jaw joints.
If you wake up with a sore jaw or notice your tooth surfaces are too uneven, I would suggest seeing a Langley Dentist, we can obtain a custom night guard for your teeth while sleeping.
5. Not Seeing the Dentist until Something Hurts
We’re all guilty of it: we wait until the pain starts before we make that appointment. And herein lies the problem: pain is a late warning sign. By the time you feel discomfort, decay or gum issues may already be well underway.
Regularity of dental check-ups emphasises the ability of your Dentist near me, to identify early warning signs of significant dental decay that you weren’t even aware. If these are addressed early performing these procedures will often be finite or significantly less costly to do.
6. Using Teeth as Tools
Opening bottles, tearing tape, holding things in your mouth — your teeth aren’t meant to do any of those things, for starters. These quick “hacks” might save you a minute or two, but they can easily chip or break your teeth.
Always keep some small scissors or openers around. Just remember your teeth have one job, chewing (and smiling).
7. Constant Coffee, Tea, or Soda
If a cup of coffee is a must to get your day started, you are not alone! But drinking coffee or tea all day keeps your mouth in an acidic state which causes stain and thinner enamel.
Soda is even worse, sugar and acid.
Try to have these drinks all at once rather than all day long. Rinse with water afterward, and if you’re really hooked on your morning coffee, a Dentist can suggest whitening options that restore brightness without sensitivity.
8. Disregarding Dry Mouth
Not only is dry mouth uncomfortable, it’s also bad for your oral health. Saliva works to wash away food particles and neutralize acids. If there is not enough saliva, bacteria will multiply and enamel will begin to break down.
A dry mouth could stem from a variety of causes such as not drinking enough water, medications, and/or sleeping with your mouth open. In general, drinking more water and chewing sugar-free gum are a great way to combat dry mouth. Contact your Langley Dentist, if it doesn’t go away or recurs. They will be happy to offer, specialty rinses to help restore moisture to your mouth.
9. You don’t change your toothbrush
If your toothbrush is worn, the bristles already are not working optimally. If those bristles are flat or frayed, you are basically just spreading bacteria in your mouth around. Most dentists suggest replacing your toothbrush every three months — sooner if you’ve been sick.
It’s a minor thing, but it makes quite a big difference in your daily oral hygiene routine.
10. Thinking of oral health is just your teeth
Healthy teeth have to start with healthy gums. You can have perfectly white teeth but your gums may be inflamed beneath the surface. When done just once a day—such as bedtime—flossing reduces plaque build-up that a toothbrush alone will not reach.
In fact, your “smile” is a whole system: teeth, gums, and jaw. All three maintain long-term dental health.
Closing Remarks
Usually, these bad habits become habitual, not an accident. The great part is that they can be addressed once you’ve noticed them.
Daily changes and cleanings help protect your smile and minimize future costly treatment.
The knowledgeable and friendly professionals from Langley Dentists will also give you recommendations for preventive care, use of gentle technique and give personal recommendations for keeping your mouth feel good for lifetime of health.
Ultimately, oral hygiene is not about perfectly brushing and flossing, consistency is key. In the long run, all the little things you do now for your smile will make you glad that you were proactive.