January 17, 2018 | Dental Health,
Everyone knows that eating too much sugar and not brushing or flossing your teeth can hurt your oral health. But there are many things you’d probably never think about that have an effect too. Here are five things that you might be surprised to find are connected to your dental health.
1. Stress
No one likes to be stressed out, but did you know it can actually negatively affect your teeth? When you’re stressed you are more likely to grind your teeth, which wears down the protective enamel. It’s also possible to give yourself a headache from clenching your teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, consider getting a custom mouthguard made.
2. Hard Brushing
Some people think the harder they brush their teeth, the cleaner they’re getting them. The truth is that aggressive brushing can wear away the important enamel that helps protect your teeth. Brushing your gums too hard can also cause inflammation and discomfort. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush when you brush your teeth, and do so gently for two minutes twice a day.
3. Pregnancy
Most people don’t know that pregnancy can actually affect dental health! Pregnant women go through hormonal changes that can cause them to develop puffy and inflamed gums. Luckily, once a woman gives birth, her hormone levels will usually return to normal.
4. Sports
Everyone knows playing sports is good for your health. But certain contact sports like basketball or rugby can be quite damaging to your mouth. Make sure to always wear a mouthguard when playing sports. Mouthguards can stop your teeth from being knocked out or chipped in the heat of the game.
5. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol might not seem like it’s related to dental health, but certain studies have found that drinking increases your risk of gum disease. And since drinking can also cause poor oral hygiene (because let’s face it, you’re less likely to take care of your teeth after coming home after a night on the town), it can add to the plaque and tartar in your mouth. Limit your alcohol consumption and make sure to brush and floss every night before bed, without exception.
If you’d like to talk to someone about your dental health, contact our dental office today!