Things that Ruin your Smile
One of the most important things that people first notice about you is your smile. It can make or break your first impression. Thus, maintaining your teeth properly is extremely important to ensure that you can dazzle everyone with your smile. Brushing your teeth 2 times a day, regular flossing and frequent visits to the dentist is a must.
However, there are some other things that could have an adverse effect on your teeth and ruin your smile. Being aware of these would definitely help you in caring for your smile in a better way. Take a look at some of the things.
1. Sports Drinks
You might be sipping on sports drinks in between your workouts to stay hydrated and feel energized. However, dentists believe that these drinks can actually harm your teeth. These contain high acidic content which can create an imbalance in the pH level of the teeth and affect the enamel. Also, these drinks are high in sugar and thus form a great breeding ground for the teeth ruining bacteria. So, instead of these drinks opt for plain water.
2. Mineral Water
Fluoride is extremely beneficial for the health of the teeth. Research has proved that tap water contains high content of fluoride. Since tap water is not always safe to drink, you resort to bottled up mineral water. However, this contains very small amount of fluoride and is in no way beneficial for the skin. Drinking boiled tap water is a better bet than drinking bottled mineral water.
3. Diabetes
When it comes to diabetes, doctors generally talk about the serious side effects like weaker heart and kidneys, poor eyesight etc. What they fail to mention is that diabetes can also have an adverse effect on your teeth and make you more susceptible to gum diseases. Keeping an eye on your blood sugar levels will definitely help.
4. Smoking
Why It Ruins Your Smile: Smoking and chewing tobacco stain your teeth, contribute to bad breath, and increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
How to Avoid It:
- Quit smoking: Seek support from healthcare professionals, support groups, and smoking cessation programs.
- Avoid tobacco products: Consider healthier alternatives and strategies to break the habit.
5. Drinking Coffee and Red Wine
Why It Ruins Your Smile: Coffee and red wine contain tannins that can stain your teeth over time, leading to discoloration.
How to Avoid It:
- Limit consumption: Reduce the frequency of drinking coffee and red wine.
- Use a straw: When possible, drink through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
- Brush after drinking: Wait about 30 minutes, then brush your teeth to remove any residue.
6. Diet Pills
These may seem to be an ideal option to lose weight quickly. But, these pills actually reduce the production of saliva and thereby lead to a dry mouth. This in turn makes your teeth and gums susceptible to infections and decay. It would be a great idea if you ditch these pills and opted for a healthy lifestyle to lose weight.
7. Sugary Treats
Your mom might have warned you that sugary treats and candies can ruin your teeth. Well, there is definitely some truth in this. Contrary to the belief that candy can ruin the health of your teeth, it is the acids produced in the mouth while eating candy that can affect your teeth and weaken them. What’s more, the bacteria produced during this process attack your teeth and gums and can lead to a number of oral problems.
8. Caffeinated Drinks
A kick of caffeine can work wonders and instantly energize you. However, the tannins present in these drinks can stick to your teeth and give them a dull look. These can also lead to tooth decay and other problems. So, make sure you don’t drink than a couple of cups in a day. Also add some milk to your cuppa to balance the acids in these drinks.
9. Brushing at the Wrong Time
It is true that you should brush at least two times a day. But, this does not mean that you can brush as and when you feel like it. Make sure that you don’t brush your teeth as soon as you have acidic drinks. This could lead to enamel erosion. Instead rinse your mouth and wait for at least an hour before brushing.
10. Ditching the Floss
If you thought that it is okay to ignore flossing just because you brush your teeth diligently, think again. Flossing can dislodge the plaque and food particles that even the most effective brushing is unable to remove. So, make sure you floss once a day to ensure a beautiful smile.
Steer clear of soft drinks and citrus juices as these could also ruin your smile. Long term use of hormone pills can affect your teeth as well. Keeping these things in mind and dazzle everyone with your smile.
