Most people begin their day with the same morning ritual. Brushing your teeth first thing in the morning is integral to anyone’s routine. However, oral care habits are not the only thing that can impact your smile. Other parts of your morning routine can affect your teeth and gums. Here are some thoughts from a dental service in Webster.
What You Eat and Drink
Eating a healthy breakfast is good for you. However, what you eat and drink can impact your oral health. Sugary breakfast cereals increase your risk of developing cavities. Toaster pastries, muffins, and yogurt also have high concentrations of sugar. Look for breakfast foods that provide more nutrients and have lower amounts of sugar.
What type of beverages do you start your day with? Many people like to visit a coffee shop for a cup of java or tea. While they can help you feel focused, these dark drinks also stain your teeth. Over time, the stains may be severe enough to need a professional whitening dental service in Webster.
Brushing Immediately After Breakfast
There is something comforting about that morning cup of coffee. However, coffee is acidic, which softens enamel.[1] So, brushing your teeth too soon after enjoying your cup of joe can remove the enamel. Instead, wait approximately 30 minutes to an hour to brush. During that time, saliva washes away the acid, allowing the enamel to harden again.
Not Brushing Properly
Brushing your teeth is one of the most significant parts of your daily morning routine. However, if you do it improperly, it might not help at all. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and move it in circular motions. A scrubbing motion could be too harsh and may damage your enamel as well as irritate the gums.
Brush for at least four minutes. Anything less will not remove all the bacteria and plaque, which can contribute to the development of gum disease.
Skipping Flossing
Flossing is often overlooked as part of oral care. However, it is just as crucial as brushing. Like brushing, flossing doesn’t help much if you don’t use the proper technique.
Start with 18 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving approximately one inch between your hands. Guide the floss between each tooth with a back-and-forth motion. Curl it around the tooth in a C-shape to clean below the gumline.
Avoid snapping the floss downward, as this can injure your gums. Instead, use a gentle sliding motion. If you have questions about flossing, ask your hygienist at your next preventive dental appointment.
Using Your Teeth as Tools
We’ve all experienced struggling with that package of food that won’t open. It is frustrating, but there is no reason to use your teeth as scissors. This puts unnecessary stress on your teeth and increases the risk of chipping or breaking them.
Repairing a broken tooth can require extensive dental care and many hours at a Webster dental office. Instead of using your teeth, always use scissors or a knife to avoid damage to your teeth.
Smoking
Some people have a morning cigarette before their first cup of coffee, but smoking is one of the most harmful habits for your teeth and gums. This habit forces your body to work harder to fight an infection, increasing gum disease risk. Smoking also delays your ability to heal, making it more challenging to recover from gum disease and other oral health conditions.
Not Drinking Water
Everyone knows how crucial water is for your overall health, but what about good oral health? Drinking water helps remove food particles and bacteria. It keeps your mouth hydrated, promoting saliva production. Additionally, you need saliva to neutralize acids and protect your teeth.
Care for Your Teeth With Gentle Dental Service in Webster
Your dentist is a valuable resource when you want to improve your oral health habits. To learn more about what you can do to protect your enamel and gums, talk to the team at Empire Dental Care.
We practice general dentistry and can discuss your concerns about your smile. Call 585-671-1650 to schedule your dental services.
Sources:
[1] https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-health/how-acidic-drinks-affect-teeth