Most people have considerable control over the appearance of their smile. If you have good oral hygiene habits, your smile can stay beautiful and bright for years. If you have bad oral hygiene habits, your smile may sustain damage over time.
What are the bad habits? Read on to learn more about what you may be doing to age your smile.
Skipping Dental Checkups
Most people need to see the dentist every six months for cleanings. Missed visits allow plaque and tartar to build up, increasing the risk of gum disease, enamel wear, and tooth loss.
Routine exams catch problems before they become painful or show symptoms, which can help you avoid serious dental damage. Cleanings also keep your teeth cleaner and brighter. After every cleaning, your teeth are polished, making them less likely to retain plaque.
Drinking Dark or Acidic Beverages
Dark and acidic beverages can stain your tooth enamel. These beverages, including coffee, tea, wine, soda, and citrus drinks, can thin your tooth enamel and dull your smile over time.
Drinking water after consuming these beverages can help wash out your mouth to prevent this from happening. Use a straw to keep the liquid moving through your mouth without touching your teeth.
If you’re going to brush your teeth after drinking something acidic (like wine), wait 30 minutes. Acids can damage your tooth enamel, and brushing your teeth can speed up that process. Waiting helps ensure the acidic drink is no longer on your teeth.
Neglecting Gum Health
Gum recession affects your dental health in many ways. Exposed roots increase sensitivity, cause decay, and will make your teeth look longer. Gum recession is caused by many things, including hard brushing. Use gentle brushing techniques with a soft-bristle brush to keep your teeth clean and reduce the risk of gum recession.
Grinding or Clenching Teeth
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, wears down your tooth enamel and can flatten your teeth with time. Grinding your teeth also causes chips and cracks in your tooth enamel and may lead to jaw pain or headaches.
Your dentist can help you with this problem by fitting you with a night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep. If your teeth have been damaged by bruxism, the dentist can also evaluate your teeth and suggest ways to restore them once the bruxism is under control.
Ignoring Small Cosmetic Issues
Chips and uneven spacing can age your smile, affecting your appearance and confidence. Cosmetic fixes like dental bonding and aligners can improve your appearance quickly and efficiently. Many cosmetic dentistry procedures are minimally invasive — ask your dentist about them today.
Take Care Of Your Smile At Weninger Dentistry
Small daily habits can slowly age your smile, but preventive care helps preserve youthfulness and confidence. To address wear, stains, and gum changes, contact Weninger Dentistry for dentistry services in Tampa, Florida. Doing this work sooner rather than later helps keep your smile healthy and gives you more time to enjoy a bright and beautiful smile.