"HEALTHY TEETH AND GUMS FOR LIFE"

Teeth Mistakes You’re Making – Part 2

A close up of a woman's lips with piercings highlighting teeth.

More teeth mistakes – Our bad habits

As a continuation from last week’s post – here are the next 5 mistakes that you may be making when it comes to taking care of your teeth. You’re welcome…you can thank us later.

Teeth Mistake #6 – Hanging on to that tongue or lip piercing

Self-expression is well and good, but when it takes the form of a tongue barbell or lip ring, it can come at a high price. We have heard of patients who fractured or chipped their teeth from biting on their piercings. We have also also had patients with gum recession and other soft-tissue injuries from their piercing rubbing against tender areas of the mouth. Had your piercing for ages with no trouble, you say? Just wait: Studies have shown that your risk of dental problems from tongue and lip piercings gets worse the longer you have them.

Teeth Mistake #7 – Drinking apple cider vinegar

According to assorted Hollywood celebrities and natural health experts, drinking unfiltered apple-cider vinegar can have near-miraculous effects on your insides. Research doesn’t support those claims, but dentists are sure of one thing: The acetic acid in the vinegar is terrible for your tooth enamel. When it comes downing ACV (as proponents call it), even a good rinse with water afterward might not mitigate the quaff’s potential damage. (Our suggestion: Instead of drinking apple cider vinegar straight, try it in a vinaigrette, or use it to soothe sunburn or get chlorine out of your hair.)

Teeth Mistake #8 – Ditching your retainer

If you once had braces, whether as a teen or as an adult, it’s smart to keep wearing your retainer for as long as your orthodontist recommends—which may mean several nights a week, forever. A patient will have perfect teeth from braces, and then they won’t wear a retainer at night and their teeth will shift and they’ll be unhappy all over again. Honor thy adolescent self, and keep those teeth in line for good. (Got a fixed retainer? Be sure to keep the device clean: They can be plaque traps)

Teeth Mistake #9 – Brushing right after your morning OJ

Like to start your day with a glass of orange juice—or oh-so-trendy lemon water? Brushing right afterward can wear away your enamel. The acidic environment weakens the teeth enamel and erosion can occur during this vulnerable period, so neutralize your mouth first by drinking milk or water, or rinsing with a baking soda solution—or just waiting 30 minutes. The same goes for vomiting, since that’s acidic, too. (Gross but true!) If you’ve thrown up, be sure to rinse before scrubbing out your mouth.

Teeth Mistake #10 – Ignoring your daily (or nightly) grind.

While mild bruxism—that is, clenching your teeth or grinding your jaw—might not seem like a big deal, severe cases can lead to everything from chipped and worn teeth to headaches, jaw trouble, and even changes in facial appearance. It’s hard to know if you grind your teeth at night if a partner doesn’t tip you off, of course, but if you experience telltale signs such as jaw soreness or a dull, constant headache, make haste to the dentist; he or she can fit you with a mouth guard to protect you from additional damage.

That is all for this week folks, see you next week for another edition of Teeth Mistakes! Read >> Part 3

Dr Christopher Sims
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