Dental care is more than regular brushing and flossing. Everyday habits, many of which may seem harmless, can impact your dentition’s life span and strength.
In fact, as per the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), nearly 57% suffer from some form of tooth decay by their early 30s. What’s more concerning is that much of this can stem from subtle, everyday activities that people may not associate with harm.
But what are the habits that silently damage your healthy smile? How important is it to consult a Maple Ridge family dental to take care of the oral health of your entire family? Let’s find out today.
Excessive Snacking Between Meals
Each time food is consumed, the bacteria in the mouth metabolize these substances. It is particularly true when consuming carbohydrates and sugars type of food, which produce acid as a byproduct. This lowers the pH in the mouth and initiates demineralization. Calcium and phosphate are leached from the enamel and weakens the tooth.Understanding the Oral Environment
First, you must understand how pH levels work. The threshold at which enamel begins to demineralize is around 5.5 on the pH scale.- When frequent snacking occurs, the pH in the mouth remains below this level for extended periods. This increases the likelihood of dentin erosion and the development of caries (cavities).
- Saliva neutralizes acids and remineralizes the enamel. However, when saliva’s buffering capacity is overwhelmed, less time is given for recovery.
Food Choice
A study by the CDA found that individuals who snack more than three times a day without proper oral hygiene are 60% more vulnerable to developing cavities than those who limit snacking.- Sticky foods such as dried fruits, candies, or snacks that cling create prolonged acid exposure.
- Late-night snacking, for example, is harmful, as saliva production decreases during sleep. This reduces acid neutralization and increases the likelihood of overnight plaque buildup.
- To mitigate these risks, dentists recommend choosing non-cariogenic snacks that do not contribute to decay, such as raw vegetables, cheese, or nuts.
- Spacing meals and snacks by at least two hours can help give sufficient time for repair through remineralization.
Using Teeth as a Tool
Dentition is designed for specific functions—biting and chewing food—yet many people misuse it for opening packages, cutting threads, or even holding objects. This exposes it to forces it cannot handle and can lead to cracks, chips, and fractures.Enamel Stress and Fractures
While enamel can withstand chewing, it is vulnerable to tensile and shear forces exerted when teeth are used in ways other than chewing food. Improper forces can cause microfractures. For example, when opening a bottle cap or tearing a plastic package.- Chips occur when localized areas of the enamel break off due to excessive force—common in the anterior area.
- A fracture can extend into the dentin, exposing the underlying tubules connected to the nerve and causing pain, sensitivity, or, worse, infection.
Occlusal Trauma and Malocclusion
An abnormal bite force causes these dental problems. Over time, this can lead to malocclusion or an improper bite. This can cause jaw pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and tooth mobility.- They may become loose due to excessive force placed on the periodontal ligament, the tissue that holds them in their socket.
- Chronic misuse can result in the progressive loss of periodontal support and, in extreme cases, tooth loss.
Increased Risks
Cutting through tough material can result in sudden avulsion or tooth luxation. Such injuries require immediate attention and can have long-term consequences.Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)
This condition can occur during the day, known as awake bruxism, or more commonly at night, called sleep bruxism (SB). While some may experience mild cases, chronic bruxism can cause severe damage, muscle pain, and TMJ disorders. According to the Canadian Sleep Society, an estimated 8-10% suffer from SB, with many going undiagnosed until symptoms become severe.What are the Causes?
The event is often multifactorial, with no single cause. Stress and anxiety are considered primary triggers. Individuals subconsciously clench their jaws during periods of emotional tension. SB, on the other hand, is categorized as a sleep-related movement disorder. It suggests a link to disruptions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Other contributing factors include:| Malocclusion (misaligned teeth) | Patients may unconsciously grind their teeth to align their bite, placing undue pressure on the teeth and jaw muscles. |
| Neurological conditions | Certain disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, are associated with the impact on motor control. |
| Medication side effects | Certain medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat depression and anxiety, have been linked to some cases. |
Drinking Acidic Beverages
The consumption of sodas, energy drinks, fruit juices, and even some alcoholic drinks is a habit that poses a risk to your health. Many drinks, particularly soft and energy drinks, have a pH well below this level. For example:- Sodas have a pH of 2.5 to 3.0.
- Energy drinks range between pH 3.0 to 4.0.
- Citrus fruit juices (orange or grapefruit) have a pH of 2.5 to 3.5.
Enamel Erosion and Its Consequences
- As the protective layer thins, the porous dentin then becomes exposed. This makes the tooth more reactive to temperature changes and acidic or sweet foods.
- Enamel is translucent, but dentin has a yellowish hue. As erosion continues, the teeth may take on a yellowish appearance due to the increasing visibility of the dentin layer.
- Erosion can round or flatten teeth, particularly at the biting edges or cusps. This may also lead to cupping. Small indentations form on the chewing surfaces of the molars.
Preventive Measures
- Reducing intake, especially between meals with family members, can decrease erosion risk. Our dentist in Maple Ridge suggests replacing these drinks with water or milk, which have a neutral or alkaline pH. This is especially recommended for new patients practicing good oral behaviours.
- Using a straw reduces the contact between acidic drinks and the teeth.
- Rinsing the mouth with water can help neutralize acids and wash away residues.
- Brushing immediately can cause further damage to already softened enamel. Maple Ridge dentists recommend that you wait at least 30 minutes for the enamel to fortify.
- Fluoride strengthens enamel and can help resist acid attacks. Using fluoride toothpaste and a fluoride-containing mouth rinse, recommended after dental visits, can aid in remineralization.
- Chewing gum stimulates saliva production. Sugar-free gum containing xylitol is beneficial. It is non-cariogenic and helps prevent bacterial growth.
Improper Brushing
| Too Hard | Many people believe brushing harder will clean more effectively, but excessive pressure damages the surface and the surrounding gum tissue. Instead, use light to moderate pressure. |
| Incorrect Angle | Holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line ensures that the surface and the gum margin are cleaned. Laying it flat against the teeth misses plaque accumulation at the gum line. Angling it too steeply can contribute to irritation and recession. |
| Rushing | The recommended duration is two minutes. Less brushing increases the risk of plaque buildup. Studies show that the average person spends only 45 to 70 seconds brushing their teeth. This is far below the necessary duration for effective cleaning. |
| Not Reaching All Surfaces | Failing to clean all surfaces, including the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. People tend to focus solely on the areas that are easily accessible or visible and neglect the lingual surfaces and the posterior molars. |
| Using a Worn-Out Toothbrush | Bristles become frayed and ineffective after about three months of use. Worn bristles lose effectiveness and can be overly abrasive. |
Protect Your Teeth from Harmful Habits with Exceptional Dental Care
Addressing the five bad habits is imperative for maintaining your best smile. These habits contribute to enamel erosion, fractures, gum recession, and cavities. Fortunately, all of these can be prevented through dental services or dental treatment under family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and beyond. Make it a habit to consult your dentists in Maple Ridge at Westgate Dental Centre. Our Maple Ridge dentist is ready to provide patient-centred care, from fitting you with a night guard and putting dental implants to teeth whitening and offering guidance on brushing techniques. By regularly visiting our dental office for check-ups, our dental team ascertains early detection and management of these habits before they lead to complications. So, schedule your next appointment in our dental clinic and meet our dental professionals for the healthy smiles of your whole family.Frequently Asked Questions
How much force does it take to fracture a tooth when using it as a tool?
Studies have shown that the human bite force can exceed 200 pounds of pressure (psi) on molars. Though, the force can further exceed when opening packages or biting objects. However, this compromises your great dental health. The flexural strength of enamel is about 300 MPa. Applying forces beyond this threshold can lead to microfracture.
How common is bruxism, and how much damage does it cause on average?
It is prevalent in about 8-10% of adults. In grave cases, it can lead to the loss of 1-2 mm of enamel per year. Without intervention, such as a night guard, it can cause fractures, increased wear on occlusal surfaces, and TMJ disorders. Early intervention from Maple Ridge family dentistry can reduce damage by up to 50% in some cases.
What are the long-term effects of improper brushing techniques on gum health?
Using hard bristles or applying excessive force can lead to 1-2 mm of gum recession per year. In severe cases, this can expose the root surface, which is more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. Improper movement can accelerate the progression of gingivitis and periodontitis. Individuals who use improper strokes are 3-4 times more prone to have gum disease than those who practice proper habits.