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Did You Know? These 10 Things Can Damage Your Teeth
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1) Birth control pills and pregnancy hormones
Pregnancy brings with it a variety of hormonal changes. Pregnancy gingivitis is inflammation that can result in tenderness and swelling of the gums. When you floss or brush your teeth, your gums may bleed. Birth control pills cause some similar hormonal changes that pregnancy also causes. Gum inflammation and gingivits along with other infections can also result from using birth control pills. Sources: Concerns http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/pregnancy/concerns Birth control pills http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20398266_16,00.html Lev Dolgachov/PhotoSpin
2) Bruxism
Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth can cause problems with your teeth when it is chronic. Teeth can become loose or fractured, or even be ground down to mere stumps. In severe cases, expensive trips to the dentist may become necessary for bridges, crowns, dentures, implants or root canals. Source: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) http://www.medicinenet.com/teeth_grinding_bruxism/article.htm Hemera/Thinkstock
3) Diabetes
Diabetes brings with it a higher risk than normal for periodontal, or gum, disease. Problems with chewing, infection and tooth loss are dangers. Blood glucose regulation helps in the avoidance of dental problems. Brushing and flossing are important for everyone, but especially so for someone with diabetes. Source: Diabetes and Oral Health http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/Topics/Diabetes MonkeyBusiness Image/PhotoSpin
4) Diet pills
The Academy of General Dentistry cautions that diet pills can reduce flow of saliva, creating dry mouth. This increases your risk for gum disease and cavities. If you are taking diet suppressants, be sure to brush and floss twice a day at least, and drink plenty of water. Source: Diet pills curb appetite, endanger teeth http://www.12thavenuedental.com/dental_information/diet_pills.htm Erwin Wodicka/PhotoSpin
5) Not flossing
Flossing eliminates food and bacteria that is otherwise between your teeth threatening to harden and become plaque. That plaque will become tartar which requires a professional dental cleaning to get rid of it. Gingivitis, which is early gum disease, can result. Gum tissue may swell and bleed. Source: Learn More About Floss & Interdental Cleaners http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/floss-and-other-interdental-cleaners Tom Baker/PhotoSpin
6) Soft drinks
The acid and sugar in soft drinks pose dangers to your teeth in the form of cavities and enamel erosion. To reduce damage, reduce the amount of soft drinks that you consume, and brush your teeth at least twice daily. Don't brush within the first hour after indulging in a soft drink. Source: Dental erosion and severe tooth decay related to soft drinks: a case report and literature review http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2676420 Lev Dolgachov/PhotoSpin
7) Smoking
If you smoke, your teeth can become discolored. Your salivary gland openings on the roof of your mouth can become inflamed. Your teeth may have greater accumulation of tartar and plaque because of smoking cigarettes. You have a greater than normal risk for gum disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, leukoplakia (white patches in mouth) and jaw bone loss. You are at higher risk for periodontal disease and other infections, decreased blood flow to the gums, and reduced capacity for healing wounds. Source: Smoking and Oral Health http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/smoking-oral-health Morozova Tatiana/PhotoSpin
8) Sports drinks
Many sports drinks are quite acidic, and can contribute to erosion of the enamel on your teeth. Sports drinks can be even more damaging than colas, in the negative effects they have on roots and enamel. High sugar content can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Avoiding these drinks is best for your teeth. If you just can't do it, you can neutralize some effects by having some water between your sips of sports drink. Source: Sports Drinks and Your Teenager's Teeth http://www.1800dentist.com/sports-drinks-and-teens Roman Sigaev/PhotoSpin
9) Tooth whitening
Peroxide-based bleaching agents can cause increased sensitivity in your teeth, particularly early on in the bleaching process. Soft tissues, especially your gums, may become irritated. While its occurrence is rare, damage that cannot be reversed has been reported even after cessation of the whitening treatment. Source: Statement on the Safety and Effectiveness of Tooth Whitening Products http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/ada-positions-policies-and-statements/tooth-whitening-safety-and-effectiveness Auremar/PhotoSpin
10) Wine
Red and white wine are both culprits that can stain your teeth's enamel. Chromogens, which are pigmented molecules found in food and beverages, can stain your teeth. Acidity can contribute to discoloration because it can erode your teeth's enamel and enable chromogens to adhere. Tannins also increase staining by chromogens. Source: Foods and Habits That Stain Your Teeth http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/foods-stain-teeth-feature Tags: birth control pills, bruxism, diabetes, diet pills, flossing, pregnancy, smoking, soft drinks, sports drinks, tooth whitening, wine B-D-S/PhotoSpin
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