Soda = Bad, Brushing = Good!
Bad oral habits can start at a very young age and continue far into adulthood. Many habits are recognized easily like thumbsucking, but there are other things that you may be doing unknowingly damaging your teeth!
Bad Oral Habits
Thumbsucking and pacifier use- Should be discouraged after age 2 to prevent abnormalities that may impact speech and the adult teeth.
Bottle or sippy at night with milk or juice- Allows sugar to feast all night on your child’s teeth leading to decay. Water only recommended after brushing at night.
Chewing Ice, hard candies- Causes microcracks which may lead to large fractures.
Sucking on cough drops/ hard candies with sugar- Bathing the teeth in sugar constantly damages enamel and continuously feeds the bacteria that cause decay.
Soda/ Sugary drinks- Even diet soda contains high acid that damages enamel and increase decay risk. We recommend water only between meals.
Nail biting- Can cause abnormal wear on the front teeth and chipping.
Using a medium or hard toothbrush- Causes unnecessary wear of the gums and enamel.
Using your teeth as tools- For example to tear open packages, etc. can lead to tooth fracturing.
Using your teeth to “hold” items- pens, bobby pins, etc. Not only are you introducing bacteria to your mouth but can risk biting on the item wrong and fracturing a tooth.
Not wearing your night guard- Clenching and grinding will cause irreversible wear and aging of the teeth.
Good Oral Habits
Well rounded diet with nutritious foods three meals a day. Limit snacking between meals in particular on foods that are highly acidic or contain carbohydrates.
Drink lots of water to keep the mouth hydrated.
Chewing sugar free gum with xylitol can help maintain a neutral pH in the mouth to prevent erosion and decay and stimulate saliva to prevent dry mouth.
Brush the teeth and gums twice a day for two minutes with a soft or extra soft brush and floss daily.
Wear a professionally fit night guard if needed to prevent wear and tear on the teeth and the jaw joint at night.
Visit us for your professional cleanings and check ups with Dr. Berry, we want to keep your smile healthy!