Are you ruining your teeth without knowing it? Many Americans do not even realize that, just by going about their daily routine, they are ultimately setting themselves up to for serious dental procedures, like cosmetic dental surgery. Before investing in cosmetic dental solutions, know what does and does not affect your dental health — and take important, preventative actions. Here are some lesser known factors damaging your teeth:
Hormonal Birth Control
Many Americans simply do not know all of the side effects of hormonal birth control. Too few, for instance, realize that hormonal birth control pills — and sometimes even other forms of hormonal contraception — can negatively impact women’s gums and overall dental health. “Because oral contraceptives mimic pregnancy, they can also lead to gum inflammation and infections, including gingivitis,” ABC News explains. “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.”
Being Too Eager To Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth directly after meals can actually be harmful. Acidic foods and beverages, such as coffee, wine, tea, and citrus fruits can wear away the enamel on your teeth. Brushing immediately after eating actually accelerates this effect. The best cosmetic dentists recommend waiting approximately 45 minutes to an hour after meals. This will give acids time to neutralize and help keep the enamel on your teeth where it belongs!
Eating Too Many High Carb Snacks, Like Crackers
Parents know to advise their children against overindulging in sweets, candy, and sugar beverages. What many do not know, however, that too many high carbohydrate snacks, like saltine crackers, can have similarly damaging effects on your teeth. “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 reports.
Protect your teeth before it comes to seeking cosmetic dental solutions. Talk to your dentist about side effects of hormonal birth control pills, limit starchy snacks like saltines, and brush teeth an hour after meals for the best results. Helpful sites.