The 10 most unexpected habits that ruin your teeth

The tea is too hot

Dr. Stephen Pitt, a dental expert in Essex, UK, said that due to the rapid temperature changes, drinking hot drinks such as hot tea to keep warm in cold weather can easily cause tiny cracks visible to the naked eye on the surface of the teeth. Once the crack becomes deeper, it will inevitably damage the tooth substance, causing tooth sensitivity. In severe cases, it will damage the pulp or dental nerve, causing infection or abscess.

Talk a lot

Dr. Luke Cascarini, an oral surgeon at BMI Hospital in Kent, UK, said that frequent talking can easily lead to wear and tear on the jaw, and may even cause temporomandibular arthritis, which can damage dental health.

Rinse your mouth vigorously when brushing your teeth

London dental expert Dr Phil Stemmer said the acids and sugars produced during meals can temporarily weaken the protective effects of tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth right after a meal can damage tooth enamel more easily. It is recommended to wait at least half an hour after a meal before brushing your teeth. At the same time, avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously to avoid weakening the protective effect of fluoride toothpaste on your teeth.

Excessive exercise

A recent study from Heidelberg University Hospital in Germany found that prolonged exercise can easily lead to a decrease in saliva and an increase in saliva alkalinity, which can lead to an increase in bacterial hormones in dental plaque and increase the risk of dental diseases.

Swimming with mouth open

Professor Damian Walmsley, an expert from the British Dental Association, said that chlorine in swimming pools can cause tooth erosion, loss of hard tissue on the surface of teeth, discoloration and sensitivity of teeth. After swimming, it is best to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth.

Flying after dental filling

Dr. Luke Cascarini says flying after getting a filling may cause toothache. The reason is that the height change can cause tiny air pockets to form in the tooth filling material, causing toothache due to the change in air pressure. Toothache usually goes away a few hours after the plane lands. If pain persists, see a dentist. The same thing can happen when mountain climbing or skiing.

Use your teeth as scissors

Dr. Tara Langton, professor of oral surgery at King's College London, said that using teeth instead of scissors to bite thread ends, tear open packaging or chew nails can easily damage the front teeth.

Holding a pill

To achieve the pain-relieving effect, many people crush aspirin or bite it directly on the painful tooth. However, Dr. Cascarini says this method of pain relief can easily burn the sensitive soft tissues of the mouth. It is recommended to take aspirin, which can also relieve toothache.

Poor oral hygiene during pregnancy

Dr. Jeremy Hill, a dental expert in Hertfordshire, said that taking contraceptives such as progesterone or becoming pregnant will lead to increased estrogen levels, which will increase the response of gum tissue to local irritants such as dental plaque, causing or aggravating gingivitis and making bleeding teeth more likely to occur. Developing good oral hygiene habits can minimize oral inflammation.

Taking antihistamines

Stephen Foster, a pharmacist in Kent, UK, said that antihistamines may affect parts such as the tongue and mouth, thereby affecting saliva secretion and causing dry mouth. Frequent dry mouth can lead to gum atrophy and periodontal disease, increase the chance of infection, and in severe cases can cause teeth to loosen or even fall out. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water can help stimulate saliva production.