No one wants to spend hours in the dental chair enduring restorative procedures — even if you’re coming to see Dr. Ross and his elite Novi Michigan dental staff.

For some us, restorative dentistry is the only way to make our smiles look great and be healthy again. Or you might have dental injuries that need to be addressed immediately. But in many cases, you can avoid restorative dentistry by following a healthy oral hygiene routine. So today, we want to show you 5 things that damage your teeth.

  1. Drinking too much soda

A soda now and then won’t substantially change your health or put you at a higher risk of dental problems. But frequently consuming soda will put you at a greater risk of dental problems. In fact, studies have found that those who consume three sodas a day or more have a 62 percent greater risk of tooth decay. You can immediately reduce your risk of tooth decay by eliminating soda from your diet. Or switch to water. 

  1. Not brushing long enough

It’s recommended by the American Dental Association that people brush twice a day, but patients often don’t know that you need to brush for about two minutes each time. Few people brush their teeth for the full two minutes. Unfortunately, people tend to brush harder instead of longer. Plaque is soft and can be easily removed, but you need to make sure you are brushing every corner of the mouth. So the next time you brush, consider setting a timer to make sure you are brushing for a full two minutes.  

  1. Grinding your teeth

Teeth grinding or clenching is a common problem that is usually involuntary. Most patients who clench or grind their teeth do so at night. These two habits are terrible for your teeth and jaw. Grinding or clenching increases the risk of tooth fractures, breaks, and even jawbone issues. People who clench or grind their teeth at night often wake up with a sore jaw or even headaches. Our office can assess your teeth and identify if you’re clenching or grinding your teeth.  

  1. Smoking or using tobacco

These two habits have a host of overall health effects. You probably already know that smoking cigarettes increases the risk of lung cancer and respiratory problems. But tobacco use is also hard on your teeth and gums — AND tobacco use is linked to oral cancers. Studies have found that people who smoke or use smokeless tobacco also have a higher risk of gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss.

  1. Skipping dental appointments

Maintaining a great oral health routine will reduce your risk of tooth decay or dental problems. But it’s still important to visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams. An exam will help us monitor your dental health and stop problems early before they balloon into serious issues.

These are just a few things you can avoid and improve your oral health. We’d also love to meet with you to discuss your oral health goals and needs. Call our Novi, MI dental office at 248-697-2487 or contact us online to request an appointment.