Three Unexpected Things that Harm Your Teeth

We’ve all heard about the negative effects of coffee, tea and Prosecco on your teeth. Dentists have also warned patients against habits such as nail-biting, chewing on ice and using your teeth as a tool. Even your parents may have told you that skipping the brush before bedtime is a crime.Most of us have an idea about what’s bad for our oral health. There are other more harmful things, however, that may surprise you.

Breathing Through Your Mouth Too Often

Most people breathe through their mouth while engaging in physical activity. Jeremy Hoffman, both a dentist and a runner, says doing so can leave your mouth extremely dry. When there’s less saliva in the mouth, the teeth are more prone to more cavities. This is because saliva is responsible for washing away debris and neutralising acids from food and bacteria.When performing any high-intensity training, the natural composition and consistency of the saliva changes. It becomes stickier, mucous-like instead of fluid, hydrating. Your mouth then traps decay-causing sugars and acids instead of rinsing them away.Make sure to take a bottle of water with you at all times. Drinking water in between exercises and training sessions is important for retaining moisture in the mouth.

Intense Vomiting

Those who suffer from gastroenteritis and hyperacidity suffer from frequent vomiting due to digestive irregularities. For some women, morning sickness occurs in the early stages of pregnancy. Whatever the cause, vomiting can be dangerous to your teeth.Every time we vomit, the acid from your stomach comes in contact with your tooth enamel. This causes the back of your teeth to soften and erode.Washing up right away won’t help, either. In fact, brushing your teeth right after vomiting can further damage your teeth. It’s best to wait for at least an hour before touching your teeth. Feel free to talk to a dental hygienist about your oral health as well.

Stress and Anxiety

Hollywood star Demi Moore recently admitted to losing two of her teeth due to anxiety. The condition is more common than we think, considering the number of symptoms associated with stress.Those who suffer from chronic stress or anxiety also grind their teeth and clench their jaw. Grinding happens at times of stress, deep concentration and sleep. People may not be necessarily aware they are grinding or clenching, but notice their teeth have become loose.If excessive grinding persists, the enamel eventually starts wearing down. As a result, the teeth appear shorter and more yellowish.Prevention is key to keeping the symptoms at bay. Night guards are effective in protecting the teeth against excessive grinding. Doing jaw exercises can also relax the muscles during stressful situations.

Visit a Professional

If you have any of these problems and would like to consult a dentist near you, don’t hesitate to contact us. Fresh Dental is home to a talented and experienced team of private dentists in London. Our advice draws from years of training and research; rest assured, you’ll receive the care you need.