Five everyday habits that damage teeth and how to avoid them

Teeth do more than add to the beauty of the face; they also play an important role in chewing food. Yet most people pay little attention to dental health. Habits such as not brushing on time, eating too many sweets and not caring for cleanliness properly can slowly damage the teeth.

These problems seem small at first, but over time they can lead to tooth decay, bleeding gums and toothache. Here is a look at which everyday habits can harm the teeth and how to care for them to avoid such damage.

The first habit is not brushing properly every day. Cleaning the teeth twice a day is considered necessary for good health. If a person brushes in the morning but goes to sleep at night without brushing, plaque can build up on the teeth overnight. Plaque is a type of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum problems. It is therefore advised to use a fluoride toothpaste and to brush for two minutes in the morning and before going to bed.

The second habit is eating sweet things and drinking sweet drinks again and again. If candy, chocolate, biscuits or other sweets are eaten through the day, the risk of tooth decay can rise. Bacteria in the mouth make acid from sugar, which can damage the outer layer of the teeth. It is therefore advised to avoid frequent sweets and to drink water instead of cold drinks and sweetened juice, so that the teeth stay healthy and white for a long time.

The third habit is brushing too hard. Some people think that pressing harder cleans the teeth better, but this can injure the enamel and the gums. Brushing the wrong way for a long time can make the gums recede and lead to dental problems. It is therefore better to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and move it with a light hand.

The fourth habit is not cleaning the spaces between the teeth. Brushing alone does not remove the fine particles stuck between the teeth. If this is ignored for a long time, the risk of tooth decay and gum problems rises. People are therefore asked to use floss or another interdental cleaner every day. If there are large gaps between the teeth or flossing seems difficult, a doctor should be consulted for the right method.

The fifth habit is tearing packets, opening bottles or chewing things such as pens with the teeth. This can be harmful to the teeth. It can break them or damage existing fillings. It is therefore advised to use scissors to open packets and a bottle opener to open bottles, so that the teeth stay safe.