Teeth are put to the test every day. They must constantly fight against the attacks of bacteria. Sometimes, we make their task more difficult by adopting habits that are detrimental to dental health. Apart from the effects of smokingHELVIDENT presents 10 other common mistakes to help you recognize and avoid them.
#1 Going from hot to cold
Do you like to accompany hot meals with an iced drink? This seemingly harmless gesture actually sensitizes your teeth, which don't like sudden temperature changes. Under the effect of heat, enamel dilates. If you consume a cool drink immediately afterwards, it contracts. The sensation can be unpleasant. If your teeth hurt when you eat, consult a dentist in Lausanne or elsewhere in Switzerland for a preventive check-up.
#2 Chewing objects
This gesture is most often a nervous tic brought on by stress. Swiss dentists strongly advise against chewing on pencils or other objects to avoid damaging your teeth. To relax, opt for a stress ball, for example, which will keep your hands busy and allow you to release tension.
#3 Forgetting to drink water
Water is a vital nutrient for the human organism. It keeps all tissues hydrated and performs many parallel functions, such as regenerating saliva. We recommend that you drink water throughout the day, and after each consumption of food or sweet beverages, to cleanse your mouth. This is one of the main principles of oral prophylaxis.
#4 Drink lemon water
Many people like to flavour their water with a few slices of lemon. This fruit offers a number of metabolic benefits, but it's one of those habits that is detrimental to dental health. Lemons' acidic pH promotes the development of plaque and attacks tooth enamel. To continue enjoying your refreshing drink, be sure to rinse your mouth with water immediately afterwards to neutralize the acids.
#5 Using toothpicks
Are you used to cleaning your teeth with a toothpick after a meal? This gesture is not harmful in itself, if you do it occasionally and, above all, gently. However, it should never replace the use of dental floss to optimize tooth brushing. Toothpicks can cause bleeding gums or get partly stuck between the teeth.
#6 Eating sweets
The primary cause of dental caries ? Sweets, of course! Candies, cakes, gum, gummy bears, pastries and other sugar-laden products are the enemy of your smile. If you're craving something sweet, bite into an apple or other fruit of your choice. For those who can't resist the sweet tooth, brush your teeth after eating.
#7 Use teeth to cut
Another habit that can damage the health of your teeth is misusing them. Who hasn't opened a packet of cookies or removed a garment label with their teeth? Nail biting is another bad habit. Dental hygienists in Lausanne and Switzerland point out the real risk of damaging teeth. Use a pair of scissors or a knife.
#8 Brush teeth immediately after eating
Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn't clean your teeth immediately after eating. After eating acidic foods, the enamel is weakened. On the other hand, when you eat foods rich in calcium or phosphorus, you need to give them time to settle. Ideally, you should wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth.
#9 Use chemical bleaching products
The temptation to display a radiant smile is great. As a result, we flock to over-the-counter products that promise a teeth whitening fast. Be aware that certain substances they contain, notably sodium lauryl sulfate, act as a detergent. Tooth sensitivity, dry mouth, mouth ulcers... The consequences are potentially serious. Always consult your dentist in Switzerland for safe tooth whitening.
#10 Ignore certain symptoms
Are you concerned about the regular presence of blood in your saliva? Do you suffer from daily bad breath? Are your gums swollen? When symptoms persist, it's essential to make an appointment with a specialist. Many people have fear of the dentist and avoid going there by all means. By ignoring the signals sent by your body, you can delay the diagnosis of a pathology and make it worse. The solution: discuss your fears with your dentist. He or she will suggest an appropriate course of action.
HELVIDENT welcomes you to one of its 3 dental clinics in Lausanne, Fribourg and Aigle. You'll find a full range of dental services under one roof.
