Oral hygiene is one of the most basic things that we were taught as kids and are required to uphold as teens and adults. We all know that we should brush our teeth, eat healthily and take good care of them for a healthy, happy smile. Why, then, are there more than a thousand reported toothaches in the world daily if we are equipped with tooth care tips? This being a trigger, we are going to take you back to the basic teeth care tips by exploring the things that you might overlook that are behind your toothaches.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Why are you always complaining about the pain in your teeth, yet you can’t exercise good oral hygiene? If the only time you put any mouthwash in your mouth is when your mouth is too smelly, then that’s the problem. Your teeth, just like the rest of your body, require daily care. You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day. This will reduce cavity build-up, helping you to have healthier teeth and to stay away from the pain of toothaches. Remember that the only person responsible for your toothaches is you. Likewise, the only person who will also help alleviate this person is you.
Acidic Food
How does knowing that your favorite soda is the reason behind your toothache feel? There’s just something about acidic food that attracts our food pallets. However, keep in mind that every time you consume acidic food in excess, you are eroding your teeth. Acidic food eats on your teeth’s enamel, making it vulnerable to sensitivity. Don’t get us wrong, it’s okay to consume these acidic foods here and there as they have other uses for our body (for example, citrus foods, which carry a lot of vitamin C content). So the next time you are thinking of having an acidic food fest, keep in mind the repercussions it will have on your teeth.
Brushing Forcefully
When we say that you should brush your teeth daily, we don’t mean that you should brush them as though you were cleaning a stained carpet. Your gums are very gentle and as such, you should brush them gently. That habit you have of brushing the life away of your teeth when you are being rushed should stop if you want to reduce your toothaches.
Teeth Grinding
Do you know that the habit of clenching on your teeth has a medical term? Yes, it does and it’s called Bruxism. I’m sure you know that once something has a medical term we should look out for it. Every time you clench and grind on your teeth, it can chip, crack and wear down your teeth, causing your teeth to ache. This can also affect your gums, causing gum disease thus making your teeth prone to aches. This means that you should look for another way to be angry without clenching your teeth and that you need to be mindful of your sleep teeth-grinding habits. You should also consider buying a mouth guard as this may be the difference between your teeth being healthy or painful.
Regularly Consuming Sugary Things
What’s better, having a sweet tooth or a painful tooth? I’m pretty sure the former is better than the latter, as you can move from it unharmed. Your habit of consuming sugary things may be the reason why your teeth are in so much pain all the time. Sugar increases cavities and it results in tooth decay, causing your teeth to ache in the process. You need to manage the amount of sugary things you consume if you want to reduce your toothache.
Your Use of Toothpicks
Nibbling at your teeth with a toothpick while trying to remove the food stuck between your teeth gaps can be very satisfying right? Well, as harmless as it may be, it does a lot of harm to your teeth. This is because the sharp edges of your toothpick poke at your gums in the process, weakening them and making you susceptible to toothaches in the process. You may need to opt for other things like gurgling water or brushing your teeth after meals, as this is less harmful to your teeth yet it will give you the security of not having people look away while you talk.
Ice Chewing
If you are a big fan of ice chewing, you may want to reconsider your habit after today. Chewing on ice can be very hard on your teeth, causing tooth chips and wearing off of the enamel. It may also irritate your gums, causing discomfort and pain. If you have had fillings done to your other teeth, this will also damage them, causing pain. So much trouble for solid water right? You should consider getting over this habit, as it may be the reason your teeth hurt.
Repurposing Your Teeth
Let’s get this straight, once and for all, your teeth are not handy weapons or tools. Their only purpose is to chew food and that is it. That whole bottle opening and plastic biting business you use your teeth are only hurting them. This chips, cracks and hurts your teeth and gums, causing you pain. Refrain from repurposing your teeth and respect their inherent use.
Skipping Your Dental Visits
To be honest, when was the last time you visited a dentist? Needless to remind you that you are not a tooth specialist so self-checks are not included in this question. Dentists are tooth whisperers, and they can detect any ailments that may develop in your teeth based on their current state. Visiting them will save you from feeling any pain due to the unexpected toothaches that may develop.