Sugar, wine, and, yes, opening bottles with your teeth can hurt your smile.
You plan meals, grab drinks, and play sports without giving much thought to your teeth.
But you might not realize how food, beverages, and activities can wreck
the health of your pearly whites.
Twenty-five percent of U.S. adults
over age 65 have lost all their teeth - here's how you can protect your
own.
Sugar and Teeth
Sugar is the No. 1 enemy of your teeth, and the longer it stays
in your mouth, the worse it is. Sugar is consumed by acid-producing
bacteria in your mouth. The acids eat away at tooth enamel. Avoid foods
like jelly candies, which stick in your teeth longer than other foods
and bathe them in sugar. Dried fruit such as raisins are no better.
Reach for fresh fruit instead.
Beverages and Teeth
Soda is just plain bad for teeth, sugar-free or not. Club soda is harmful, too, because of its
acidity, and so are juices with added sugar. Alcohol, even just a
glass of wine, is also acidic and can erode the teeth. In addition,
alcohol dries out your mouth, reducing saliva
production. Saliva bathes the teeth and helps remove plaque and
bacterial accumulations from the teeth's surface. Less plaque equals
less risk for bacterial acids to cause decay. Rinse your
mouth with water between drinks.
Other Risks to Teeth
If you use your teeth to snap off bottle caps, remove clothing
tags, or open plastic bags, stop immediately. Smokers should also
consider how the habit affects oral health. Nicotine yellows teeth and can also cause oral cancer.
Chewing tobacco is even worse because the tobacco and associated
carcinogens come into direct contact with the gums and soft tissues and
stay there for a long time. Also, ask your doctor or pharmacist
if your medicines might cause
dry mouth. According to the American Dental Association, more than 500
medications -- from pain relievers to antihistamines -- can do so. Dry
mouth inhibits saliva production and increases your risk of cavities.
If you play contact sports, pick up a mouth guard at a sports
store or have your dentist make you a custom one for maximum protection
and comfort.
You don't even have to be awake to damage your teeth. Sorin says
as many as 8% of Americans grind or clench their teeth, especially at
night. If this is you, make an appointment with your dentist right away.
Q&A on Chewing Ice
Q: "I started to chew ice 10 years ago because it is so soothing. Now I can't give it up. Is it really so bad for my teeth?"
A: "Yes, unfortunately. Chewing on ice, pens, pencils,
and bobby pins can cause wear and tear on the tooth and enamel surfaces
covering the tooth. If your teeth are worn or chipped already, the ice
can crack and damage the tooth structure."
Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino
