Habits That Wreck Your Teeth (3)

Chewing on Pencils

We often unconsciously chew on pencils or bite objects when we are concentrating. These pressures on teeth can cause teeth to chip or fracture. Chewing sugarless gum can be one way to prevent damage and it also stimulates saliva production and helps to cleanse our teeth in the process.

Drinking Coffee

A morning cup of coffee helps many of us start the day. Unfortunately, caffeine can interfere with saliva flow, cause a dry mouth, and lead to tooth decay. Also, adding sugar to your brew increases the risk of tooth decay even more. To counteract the effect of a dry mouth from caffeine, drink water frequently throughout the day.

Smoking

Tobacco use dries out the mouth and increases the amount of plaque buildup around our teeth. Smokers are more likely to lose teeth compared to nonsmokers due to gum disease. Additionally, tobacco use is a big risk factor for oral cancer. To increase your chances of success in kicking this unhealthy habit, seek help from your doctor.

Drinking Red Wine

Three things contribute to the staining of our teeth when we drink red wine. First, chromogen is the deep color in red wine. Second, acid content in wine etches our teeth and makes it more prone to pick up stain. Finally, tannins in wine help the stain bind to teeth. Ways to counteract the staining are to eat a protein such as cheese with red wine, rinse with water, or chew gum afterwards to stimulate saliva production and neutralize the pH. Fortunately, red wine stain is temporary on teeth.

Drinking White Wine

White wine may seem to be the harmless version of red wine; however, white wine still contains the acid and tannins that help bind stain to teeth. Staining actually comes from foods or drinks you eat after drinking white wine. Also, after drinking anything acidic, avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes to avoid damaging your teeth further.

Binge Eating

Binge eating usually involves intake of large amounts of sugary foods and drinks, which may lead to dental decay. Binge eating may also occur with another eating disorder such as bulimia where the food is purged with vomiting. Because vomit is highly acidic, it can erode and damage teeth over time. Medical care and intervention is important to address these eating disorders.