By Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD
The Toothboss, www.toothboss.com
It’s one of the things about getting older: the habits we have, even the ones that seem harmless, can catch up with you. That’s particularly true with our teeth. Yet some of those habits might be more damaging than you think. Even if you’re brushing, flossing, and getting regular checkups.
Here are seven routine behaviors to watch out for, along with simple ways to protect your smile:
- Sipping coffee or tea all day
Nursing warm cups of coffee or tea throughout the morning might sound relaxing. It also exposes your teeth to prolonged acid and staining compounds. If you take sugar in your coffee or tea, it makes things much worse and adds to the acidic environment that you are already “bathing” your teeth in. This exposure can soften the enamel of your teeth and lead to premature wear and discoloration.
Tip: While you don’t necessarily have to switch from your morning cup to a shot of espresso, try to enjoy your coffee or tea in one sitting. Afterward, rinse your mouth with water. If you’re enjoying an iced coffee or tea, use a straw to reduce contact with your teeth. - Using your teeth as tools
Need to open a package? That’s what letter openers, scissors, or knives are for. Need to hold your glasses for a moment? How about putting them down in a safe place rather than in your mouth? Using your teeth for anything other than chewing can lead to chips, cracks, or unnecessary wear.
Tip: Keep scissors or a small tool handy so you’re not tempted to risk a dental injury. - Brushing too hard
Brushing harder does not get your teeth cleaner. Truth be told, aggressive brushing can wear down tooth enamel and irritate your gums. That can lead to sensitivity and gum recession – and nothing good comes from recession of any kind.
Tip: Gentle circular motions with a soft-bristled toothbrush do the trick much better than brushing as hard as you can. If you’re unsure about your technique, ask your dental hygienist for a quick demonstration. - Frequent snacking on sugary or starchy foods
While this is bad on many levels, it can also do a number on your teeth, especially foods like crackers, chips, or candy. These items keep sugar and starch on your teeth all day long, which feeds bacteria that produce acid and lead to cavities.
Tip: If you snack, choose tooth-friendly options like cheese, nuts, or fresh vegetables. Rinse with water or chew sugar-free gum afterward. - Chewing on ice or hard candy
Chewing ice might seem like a harmless habit. It’s also an easy way to cause microfractures in your teeth or break a filling. Hard candy can do the same; never mind the fact it’s like bathing your teeth in sugar.
Tip: If you have hard candy, let it dissolve naturally in your mouth rather than crunching on it. Avoid chewing on ice altogether. Try chilled water or cold fruit instead. - Skipping flossing
Among seniors, flossing can be one of the dental-care habits that falls by the wayside most frequently. Unfortunately, even if you brush regularly, skipping floss means you’re leaving plaque and food particles between your teeth, and that’s where cavities and gum disease often start.
Tip: Floss once a day or try interdental brushes or floss picks if traditional flossing is tricky for your hands. - Ignoring dry mouth
Dry mouth is a common issue among seniors, particularly with certain medications. Dry mouth also becomes more frequent as we age. Ignoring it gives bacteria an environment to thrive in and increases your risk for decay and gum problems.
Tip: Stay hydrated, chew sugar-free gum to generate saliva, and ask your dentist about mouthwashes or treatments designed for dry mouth.
The bottom line
In my four-plus decades in private practice and in the military, I’ve seen how even the smallest habits can add up to big problems for your teeth over time. If you have some of the above habits, a few simple changes can go a long way toward keeping your smile strong, healthy, and beautiful.
If you want to know if some of your habits are helping or hurting your teeth, bring it up at your next dental visit. Between dentists? Give my office a call at 781-335-0604 and we’ll set up an appointment.
About the Author: Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD is the owner of The Toothboss, 1121 Main St., South Weymouth. For more information, call 781-335-0604 or visit www.toothboss.com.
