Naughty or Nice
He’s making a list and checking it twice, going to find out who’s naughty and nice!
In this case, “naughty” and “nice refers to your oral health habits. Let’s take a closer look to see which list you would be on.
The Naughty List – Dental Habits to Avoid
- Tobacco use. From smokeless tobacco to cigarettes, tobacco use is responsible for yellowed teeth, bad breath and a variety of health-related issues.
- Using the wrong toothbrush. Avoid hard bristle brushes that could damage your gums and cause bleeding while brushing.
- Chewing ice. While it may seem like a harmless habit, chewing ice can wear away tooth enamel and cause cracks or chips to your teeth.
- Thumb sucking. From misaligned teeth to problems with the hard palate (roof of your mouth), thumb sucking is one of the worst dental practices for children.
- Using your teeth as tools. Teeth are for chewing. Using your teeth for non-chewing activities such as opening soda bottles or ripping open packages, could lead to minor and major injuries.
The Nice List – The Gifts that Keep on Giving
- Brush your teeth. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day – once when you wake in the morning and once before bed.
- Don’t forget to floss. Flossing takes very little time but offers a lifelong reward.
- Rinse Regularly. An antiseptic mouthwash helps limit plaque buildup. Rinsing isn’t a substitute for brushing, but a tool to help you obtain good oral health throughout the year.
- Visit your dentist. It’s good to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a routine cleaning and exam. Be sure to share any changes to your oral and physical health.
- Watch your diet. Give your mouth a healthy boost by limiting sugary snacks and drinks, keep between-meal eating to a minimum and drink lots of water.
