Are you unknowingly damaging your teeth? There are plenty of ways that you can regularly clean, freshen up, and brighten your smile — before it comes to researching cosmetic dental surgery costs and laser teeth whitening. Americans can start by knowing what does and does not affect their dental health. What are some of the most surprising things that may be ruining your smile?
Are You Taking Hormonal Birth Control Pills? It Matters!
Hormonal birth control can have some surprising side effects. Most men and women do not know that using hormonal birth control can actually affect your gums and overall dental health. “Because oral contraceptives mimic pregnancy, they can also lead to gum inflammation and infections, including gingivitis,” ABC News writes. “Some studies have shown that women who use birth control pills may have more trouble healing after tooth extractions and are twice as likely to develop painful dry sockets where the tooth used to be.”
Brushing Your Teeth Directly After Meals May Damage Them!
There is a right and a wrong time to brush your teeth. Dentists recommend brushing approximately 45 minutes to an hour after meals whenever possible. Why? Most of the foods you eat may contain acid, which can — in turn — wear away the enamel or protective coating on teeth when you brush directly after meals. Waiting at least 45 minutes gives acidic foods and liquids time to neutralize. It is especially important to wait before brushing when eating or drinking coffee, wine, tea, and citrus fruits.
Eating Too Many Crackers
It is common knowledge that eating too many sweets can result in cavities and other common dental problems. Many people do not know, however, that eating too many starchy foods — like crackers — can ultimately ruin your smile. “The refined carbohydrates found in saltines and many other types of crackers convert to sugar in the mouth very quickly, providing fodder for cavity-forming bacteria,” ABC News explains.
Before looking into cosmetic dental surgery costs, know some of the surprising ways you may be damaging your teeth. Talk to dentists about treatments that are not affected by birth control, brush your teeth 45 minutes after meals whenever possible, and avoid eating too many starchy snacks. Helpful links.
