We all have our vices, and some are more detrimental than others. We all know we shouldn’t smoke, but many do it anyway. However, sometimes we may be causing harm to our health without even realizing it. While we cannot control everything, it is so important to know when the things you do can impact your well-being. Today, we’re looking at some surprising habits that can impact your teeth, gums, and mouth so you can make the necessary changes to improve your oral health.
Tongue And Lip Piercings Pose A Threat
Body art and modification has been on the rise in recent years, but there’s a reason you may want to pump the brakes when it comes to oral piercings. Take tongue piercings, for example. It’s not uncommon for patients to accidentally bite down on their tongue ring, causing a tooth to chip or crack. Mouths are also hotbeds for bacteria, and any open wound like a piercing is prone to infection. Additionally, the metal of the rings can also rub against gums and teeth, eroding enamel and breaking down the gum line.
Caffeine Can Linger
Everyone needs a pick-me-up sometimes, but routinely drinking coffee can do more harm than you might think. Because of the liquid’s dark pigmentation and acidity, your daily cup of coffee can lead to tooth decay and discoloration over time. Luckily, these stains are relatively easy to remove through different whitening methods!
Another Reason To Quit
Many people are aware that smoking can cause lung cancer, but you may not realize that this habit can bring on devastating effects to your oral health as well. Smoking not only discolors your teeth, but it can also leave you with lingering bad breath and makes you more susceptible to tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease and oral cancer.
Cough Drops—Fixing One Problem, Heightening Another
When you’re under the weather, cough drops can work wonders on easing an annoying cough or soothing a sore throat. However, it’s important to remember that these lozenges are most often packed with sugar to help them improve their taste, so popping them unabashedly poses a threat to teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth after sucking on one to prevent the sugar from turning into plaque and causing unwanted cavities.
Giving Your Child A Bottle To Sleep With
It’s never too early to start thinking about oral health! Many parents want to give their child a bottle at bedtime to help soothe them and keep them full, but did you know this can actually be detrimental to your baby’s oral health? Both milk and juice are high in sugar, and allowing sugary liquids to rest on your child’s teeth or gums overnight will eventually lead to tooth decay.
By simply changing some of your more problematic habits, you can enjoy easier trips to the dentist and a lifetime of good oral health.
If you have any questions about how your habits may be impacting your oral health, give us a call at Associates for Dental Care in Chicago today to schedule an appointment!