"How Many of These 9 Harmful Dietary Habits Are You Guilty of Hurting Your Teeth?"

Brushing teeth can harm them. There are many other details in life that may have adverse effects on teeth. Let's take a look.

1. Biting into Apples

Try to avoid directly chewing into crisp fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots with your teeth, as this is the primary cause of hidden cracks in teeth. Instead, cut these foods into smaller pieces. Similarly, chewing ice can also lead to tooth fractures.

2. Chewing Corn Kernels

Chewing corn kernels can easily loosen or dislodge teeth and even shift dentures. It is recommended to remove corn kernels before eating.

3. Not Rinsing After Eating Noodles

Refined carbohydrates like bread and noodles can sharply increase acidity in the mouth, eroding tooth enamel and easily getting stuck between teeth. Thus, be mindful to rinse your mouth after eating noodles.

4. Using Teeth to Open Packages

Some people may use their teeth to open packages or bottle caps for convenience, which can easily fracture or dislocate teeth. Additionally, bacteria on the packaging can enter the mouth unnoticed, affecting health.

5. Consuming Bottled Water Excessively

Bottled water can increase acidity during purification, causing dental cavities. Some purified water lacks essential minerals for teeth, and frequent consumption can also harm dental health. Most soda and sports drinks also contain acids that erode tooth enamel. It is advisable to drink boiled water or use straws to reduce contact between beverages and teeth.

6. Preferring Potato Chips and Dried Fruits

Potato chips and popcorn are crisp and sticky during chewing, easily getting stuck in teeth and promoting bacteria growth, leading to cavities. Some dried fruits like raisins, figs, and apricots are nutritious but also contain high amounts of sugar and fiber, increasing sugar residue around teeth.

7. Regular Consumption of Black Tea and Wine

Tooth enamel is particularly susceptible to dark-colored foods like soy sauce, ketchup, curry, etc. Drink plenty of water and rinse frequently. Additionally, some beverages can discolor teeth. White wine has strong acidity, making teeth more prone to staining, while alcohol can cause dry mouth, reducing saliva's protective effect on teeth. Tannins in black tea also increase the risk of tooth staining. Those who frequently consume these drinks should choose whitening toothpaste or opt for green tea and herbal teas.

8. Loving Acidic Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits (e.g., grapefruits, oranges) contain high acid levels, which are detrimental to dental health. It's essential to drink water or rinse your mouth promptly after eating them. Vinegar can also induce cavities. Studies show that children with excessive jealousy have a 30%-85% increased risk of enamel erosion. Eating more lettuce can reduce vinegar's harm to teeth.

9. Chewing Gum Throughout the Day

Chewing gum all day is akin to bathing your teeth in sugar water. Opt for sugar-free or xylitol gum instead. Moreover, gumdrops can easily stick to teeth, forming plaque, which affects dental health.

Additional Habits Affecting Dental Health

1. Alternating Hot and Cold Foods

Hot and cold foods can irritate gums and cause toothaches. Chewing ice, in particular, can stimulate gums, wear down teeth, and even break them.

2. Bruxism

Stress can cause teeth grinding during sleep, severely damaging teeth. Controlling bruxism habits is challenging. Avoiding hard foods during the day can alleviate pain and damage caused by grinding.

3. Arbitrary Medication Use

If pregnant women take tetracycline drugs after the 4th month or children under 7, the drug can bind to dentin, darkening teeth and severely hindering dental tissue development, leading to surface defects.

4. Frequently Clicking Teeth

This habit can excessively wear down teeth, predisposing them to fractures.

5. Regularly Using Toothpicks

Toothpicks can retract soft gums, gradually exposing tooth roots, making teeth sensitive and increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.