Maintaining healthy teeth is not only essential for a beautiful smile but also for overall physical health. There are several habits that we often overlook or take for granted, which can severely damage our teeth. Some of these habits can cause irreversible harm to your teeth, leading to decay, sensitivity, and even tooth loss. If you are already undergoing orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, these habits can be even more detrimental to you. In this article, we will discuss some harmful practices that can damage your teeth and provide tips on avoiding them to maintain optimal oral health and get the best results from your orthodontic treatment.
Chewing on Hard Objects
Some people habitually chew what they lay their hands on. Asides from this being unhygienic can be very harmful to the teeth.
When you bite and chew on hard objects such as pens, pencils, and ice cubes, they can fracture and damage the tooth or even break your braces and other orthodontic fittings. And if you have braces, these kinds of objects can get chipped off and stuck in the braces, causing damage that will require a visit to the orthodontist.
Eating Sugary Snacks and Drinks
As appealing as they taste, sugary things are one of the leading causes of tooth decay and cavity. Sugary foods and drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, leading to significant oral health problems.
It is crucial to avoid eating sugary things as they can significantly impact the health of your teeth.
When you wear braces, it is easier for food particles and bacteria to get trapped between your teeth and braces, making it harder to clean your teeth properly. Consuming sugary foods and drinks can provide a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, leading to plaque formation and tooth decay.
Beyond this, there’s a danger of damaging the wires and brackets of your braces. The sugar in food and drinks can react with the metal components of your braces, causing them to rust and break down. This can prolong your orthodontic treatment and increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
It is vital to avoid sugary foods and drinks while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Instead, focus on maintaining a balanced and healthy diet, which includes foods that are low in sugar and high in nutrients.
Brushing Too Hard
Brushing your teeth is essential to maintain good oral and overall health, but using a hard-bristled toothbrush and brushing too hard can cause the enamel to wear, chip, and weaken. If you have braces on, it can also damage them.
Hard brushing does not guarantee clean teeth, nor do strong bristles. It is advisable to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush gently and thoroughly to avoid damaging your teeth or orthodontic appliances.
Not Wearing a Mouthguard When Playing Sports.
With or without braces, it is an essential safety precaution in sports to always have a mouthguard on while playing sports
If you’re an athlete or sports person, you must wear a mouthguard when playing to protect your teeth, braces, and Invisalign from damage.
Teeth Grinding
Grinding or clenching the teeth and the jaw actively or subconsciously is one of the habits that cause significant harm to the teeth and mouth. When you grind your teeth with braces, you risk increasing the damage to your teeth. This may also break and loosen the wires and bands that hold the braces together.
Habits like smoking, drinking, thumb-sucking, frequent snacking and nail-biting have been proven to be detrimental to the teeth and people who use orthodontic appliances.
Being mindful of and avoiding these habits can help protect your teeth from damage while undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions about your orthodontic treatment, kindly contact us at Beauty Smile Ortho. We provide orthodontic services for every member of the family, and with us, you can be assured of the best care for your teeth.