Teeth: The bad habits that damage them

There are many habits that can damage teeth, and some are much more common than we think.

Dr. Katerina Douma-Michelaki, DDS, PhD, Specialist in Pediatric & Adult Orthodontics, explains what we are doing wrong and what we can do to protect ourselves:

* We consume too many acidic drinks. Any type of drink with carbonation and acidic ingredients, even if it is plain mineral water, vinegar, or alcoholic beverages, can erode the outer layer of the teeth, the enamel substance. This substance is very resistant, but over time, it wears down and thins, exposing the underlying layer, the dentin substance. This process paves the way for dental problems, such as sensitive teeth and pain, while increasing the risk of cavities and weakening of the tooth.

When you drink such beverages, make sure to rinse your mouth well with water afterwards. Also, avoid sipping them slowly over long periods of time, as prolonged exposure increases the chances of problems.

* We don’t brush properly. According to research by the Greek Dental Federation, nearly six out of ten Greeks brush their teeth once a day or less frequently, 5% don’t brush at all, and only around 35% brush their teeth at least twice a day as recommended. Additionally, many people brush too hard, using a hard toothbrush and abrasive toothpaste. This can lead to dental abrasion, characterized by the recession of the gum line at the points of excessive brushing and the formation of wedge-shaped grooves on the surface of the tooth near the gum line. These grooves can cause intense pain and sensitivity and sometimes require restoration with special materials, such as composite resins.

* We grind our teeth. Teeth grinding (scientifically called bruxism) is more common during periods of stress and anxiety. Other factors that contribute to its appearance include genetic predisposition, changes in the temporomandibular joint, anatomical and muscular problems, injuries, etc. Those who suffer from grinding make an involuntary and uncontrolled motion, causing the chewing surfaces of the upper and lower jaw teeth to rub against each other. Unfortunately, many patients don’t realize it, as they usually do it subconsciously or during sleep, and they only find out when the specialist dentist or orthodontist identifies characteristic changes in their teeth. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to many problems, such as thinning and wear of the teeth, jaw and muscle pain, headaches, chewing difficulties, broken teeth, and more.

* We chew ice cubes. Especially in summer, it’s a very refreshing habit that seems harmless, as ice cubes have no calories or sugar. However, they can crack or break teeth, damage the enamel substance, create problems with fillings and prosthetic work, and cause pain in the jaw muscles. If this habit is chronic, you might also discover that your teeth have become extremely sensitive to cold and hot drinks and foods, and are more prone to cavities. Similar risks exist for those who chew on other objects, such as pens, or use their teeth as bottle openers.

* We use toothpaste without fluoride. It is proven that fluoride plays a crucial role in reducing cavities and other damage caused by food to the teeth, as well as in the restoration (remineralization) of dental damage in its early stages. Unfortunately, many people fear the effects of fluoride on the body and prefer to buy toothpaste without fluoride. While it is true that fluoride in very large doses can be toxic, the amounts in toothpaste are minimal and do not come close to toxic levels.

* We consume too much “hidden” sugar. Everyone knows they should protect their teeth from sugar added to drinks (e.g., coffee) or present in sweets. However, more dangerous is the “hidden” sugar found in the most unlikely items, even in some medicines, breakfast cereals, sports drinks, fruit drinks, etc., while the worst of all is the sugar found in cookies, candies, lollipops, gummies, and generally in products that stick to the teeth or stay in the mouth for a long time. Sugar reacts with the sticky “plaque” formed by food residues and bacteria and turns into acid that erodes the enamel substance, thus promoting the development of cavities.

To protect yourself, consume products with sugar during meals to help remove it quickly from your teeth. Otherwise, after consuming them, you should rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or, even better, brush your teeth.

* We smoke. Cigarettes and all tobacco products contain substances that pave the way for the development of gingivitis and its worsening, ultimately leading to periodontitis. In the long term, they can also increase the risk of oral cancer, lip cancer, and tongue cancer, while their stains leave marks on the color of the teeth. So, if you’re looking for another reason to quit smoking, think about your smile.