4 ways you may be accidentally harming your teeth

The secret to a great smile is great teeth and keeping your teeth in great shape is also vitally important for your overall health. We all know how essential regular and thorough brushing is for our dental health, as well as flossing, but it’s still all too easy to find you’re harming your teeth without even realising it.

1. Drinking hot lemon water

What we drink can have a noticeable effect on the way our teeth look; for example, if you regularly drink red wine or coffee, you could find that they stain your teeth in the same way that cigarette smoking does. Fruit drinks can also lead to staining, but they can also cause structural damage. Drinks such as hot lemon water or orange juice are certainly refreshing, and we may feel that they are a healthy option because of their vitamin content, but they are also high in natural acids which can attack tooth enamel.

2. At home whitening

We all love shiny white teeth, but as sugary drinks, wine and cigarettes aren’t the only things that can stain them. It’s no wonder, therefore, that so many people are opting for teeth whitening treatments at home. Using a home whitening kit can be risky, however, as it’s all too easy to accidentally damage your teeth and gums. On the other hand, we offer a number of teeth whitening procedures here at AP Smilecare, carried out by trained experts with years of experience. You’re in safe hands with us!

DIY Kit

3. Brushing at the wrong time

You know that you have to brush your teeth, but did you know that over brushing or brushing them at the wrong time can do more harm than good? Over vigorous manual brushing can damage the gums, which is why electric toothbrushes can be a smart purchase, and if you brush your teeth within half an hour of eating acidic food or drinking acidic juices, you could actually be brushing the damaging acid into your enamel. Always give it at least half an hour before you brush your teeth after eating, to protect yourself from this sort of accidental damage.

How effective is your brushing technique

4. Forgetting fluoride

Fluoride is one of the greatest assets in the fight against plaque and dental diseases, but are you getting enough of it? Look for toothpaste that has at least 1,400 parts per million, by which we mean fluoride content of at least 0.14%. This can help to strengthen your teeth and fight the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and loss.
Using high-quality toothpaste with adequate fluoride content, cutting back on acidic fruit drinks or neutralising them with neutralising calcium-rich products, and brushing correctly and at the right time can give you better teeth for the rest of your life. It’s also essential of course to have regular dental checkups. You can book an appointment with AP Smilecare simply by giving us a ring on 01254 297 000, or take a look at any of our core treatments!