Daily life can contribute to the gradual damage of teeth and gums over time due to various factors. This is for multiple reasons, from diet to genetics, oral hygiene routine, and even your activity level.

Everything is connected in the body, and our teeth are so significant throughout life. Poor oral care can lead to weakened gums, leading to tooth decay or worse. Here are some common ways daily activities can impact oral health.

Poor Oral Hygiene Habits

Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to build up on teeth and along the gumline. Plaque contains bacteria that produce acids, leading to tooth decay and gum disease if not properly removed through regular oral hygiene practices.

Sugary and Acidic Foods

Consuming foods and beverages high in sugar and acids increases the risk of tooth decay and erosion. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar, producing acids that attack tooth enamel. Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and sodas, can directly erode enamel, weakening the teeth over time.

Grinding and Clenching Teeth

Habitual teeth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, places excessive force on teeth and can lead to enamel wear, tooth fractures, and jaw problems. This often occurs during sleep or due to stress and can gradually damage the teeth, strain the jaw joints and muscles, and wear down teeth and gums. This often leads to the need for a tooth extraction.

Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption

Smoking or chewing tobacco products increases the risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss. Alcohol consumption can contribute to dry mouth, decreasing saliva production and making the mouth more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

Teeth-staining Substances

Consuming coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can cause tooth discoloration over time. These substances contain pigments that gradually penetrate and stain the tooth enamel, leading to a dull or yellowed appearance.

Dental Trauma

Accidental falls, sports injuries, or other traumatic events can cause tooth fractures, chips, or complete tooth loss. These incidents can be detrimental to oral health and may require immediate dental attention to prevent further damage.

Inadequate Saliva Production

Certain medications, medical conditions, and aging can reduce saliva flow, resulting in dry mouth. Saliva helps neutralize acids, remineralize teeth, and wash away food particles and bacteria. The risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections increases without adequate saliva.

Poor Nutrition & Diet

A diet lacking essential nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C, can weaken tooth enamel and impair gum health, making teeth more vulnerable to decay and gum disease. It’s important to be mindful of these potential oral health risks and take preventive measures, such as maintaining good oral hygiene, consuming a balanced diet, and seeking dental care regularly. By being proactive and adopting healthy habits, you can help minimize the damage to your teeth and gums over time and preserve your oral health.

Finding the Right Dentist Near You

Daily life can do a number on our teeth and gums. Tooth loss is common and something many of us will face at some point in our lives. But, with proper dental hygiene and regular dental visits, we can keep our teeth and gums healthier for longer, keeping tooth loss at bay. For the Best Periodontist Coney Island NY, look no further than right here at Coney Island Dental and over 40 years of local expertise.