It’s not just that pack of Paul Malls that is ruining your smile! You may want to cut back on these tooth killing products as well!

 

Sports Drinks:

In the last decade, sports beverages have become increasingly popular, but they aren’t great for your teeth. Scientific research has found that the pH levels in many sports drinks could lead to tooth erosion due to their high concentration of acidic components, which could wear away at the tooth’s enamel.

Bottled Water:

Tap water often contains fluoride—about 60% of people in the U.S. have fluoride in their water supply. However, most bottled waters contain less fluoride than recommended for good oral health (it will be listed as an ingredient on the label if it is an additive). Fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes How to Whiten Your Teeth Naturally How to Keep Your Smile Pretty and Healthy remineralization.

Diabetes:

Diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, so you’re at a risk for gum disease. Brushing, flossing, and monitoring your blood sugar can help. Diabetes is directly related to periodontal disease, so seeing the dentist and having your triglycerides and cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis is also crucial.

Tobacco:

Smoking turns your teeth yellow, but it can be much more damaging than that. Using any form of tobacco can harm your teeth and gums in a number of ways. It can cause throat, lung, and mouth cancer, and even death.

Wine:

Wine drinkers beware: Regular wine consumption can harm tooth enamel. According to Halpern, wine’s acidity can dissolve the tooth structure, and both red and white wine can increase dental staining.

Pregnancy:

It’s especially important to take care of your teeth and gums when you’re expecting, since studies show a link between untreated gum disease and pre-term and low-birth-weight babies. Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, particularly surges in estrogen and progesterone, can cause inflammation of the gums, which can lead to gingivitis (red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed) and put you at risk for infection.

Diet Pills:

Even though they may seem like a quick way to trim your waist, diet pills can also be a fast track to gum disease and tooth decay. Like many over-the-counter and prescription medications, diet pills decrease salivary flow, which causes dry mouth and puts you at risk for gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and discomfort.

Teeth Grinding:

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can affect your jaw, cause pain, and even change the appearance of your face.

Candy:

Contrary to what mom said, sugar won’t directly rot your teeth—but the acid produced when you eat sugar and carbohydrates can. Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth devour sugar, creating acids that attack tooth enamel, which can lead to decay and a host of other problems, including gingivitis and cavities.

Puberty:

The hormonal surge that occurs during puberty can cause more than acne—it can also result in swollen gums that are more sensitive to plaque. This can lead to gum infections, gingivitis, and mouth sores.