Did you know that certain lifestyle choices can have a massive impact on your smile? To help you maintain optimal oral health, your endodontist in Midlothian, VA, will help you understand how your diet and daily habits can potentially wreak havoc on your teeth and gums.
What Are the Lifestyle Habits That Can Hurt Your Teeth and Gums?
Eating Foods with High Sugar Content
While there’s nothing wrong with indulging your sweet tooth from time to time, too much sugar can lead to long-term oral health issues. When bacteria in your mouth feed on foods with high sugar content, they secrete acids that weaken your enamel and erode your teeth. The more sugary treats you consume, the more you feed sugar-loving bacteria that contribute to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
Smoking
Each time you take a drag on a cigarette, the smoke that comes from it can have a highly toxic effect on the soft tissues of your mouth. The chemicals in the product make it easier for bacteria to form plaque and tartar because they significantly reduce the flow of saliva in your mouth. Additionally, smoking greatly increases your chances of developing gum disease because it interferes with your blood circulation.
Besides contributing to tooth decay, teeth stains, bad breath, and gum disease, using tobacco products can also lead to oral cancer. According to research, 90% of individuals diagnosed with oral cancer used tobacco.
Drinking Alcoholic Beverages
Consuming alcoholic beverages can dehydrate your mouth by reducing the flow of saliva. In other words, this habit makes it difficult for your body to flush away bacteria in your mouth. In addition, people who are struggling with alcohol addictions are also less likely to be consistent with their oral hygiene regimens.
Are You Looking for an Endodontist in Midlothian, VA?
The specialists in endodontics and microsurgery at Commonwealth Endodontics strive to deliver quality care to our patients. Contact our office to make an appointment with us today.