I’m not a fan of going to the dentist. I only have limited dental benefits, and every year I need either a root canal or a new crown. That means I pay a pretty penny to get my teeth healthy again, and I can think of better things to spend my money on. I have lost so much bone in my teeth and gums, and last year the dentist remarked that she had never seen someone’s teeth recede so much in just one year.
Now, I am on three cleanings a year, and only two visits are paid for by insurance. It’s tempting to stop at two visits and sit in the car to read a favorite book while my husband, Mark, is having his appointment. He has twice the amount of benefits, and rarely needs anything other than a filling.
What changed my mind? Finding out that bad dental habits can cause joint inflammation.
According to Delta Dental of California, “If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), your oral health is at risk. Both RA and gum disease are linked to severe inflammation, which is your body’s natural immune response to protect you from foreign bodies like viruses and bacteria.”
Here are common symptoms of gum disease:
- Swollen, red gums
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
- Bleeding gums when eating, tough foods
- Longer-looking teeth and receding gums
- Tender-to-the-touch gums
- Spaces develop between teeth and gums, causing pockets to form
- A buildup of pus between teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Mouth sores
- Persistent mouth pain
- Teeth becoming misaligned
- Different fit with partial dentures
Sucking on Hard Candy
This is the hardest bad dental habit to break. My throat is often dry, so I pop a peppermint in my mouth. I usually use it when I feel sick from my medication, or for no reason at all. Now, when I feel the peppermint urge, I try to drink a glass of water.
Ice Crunching
A nice icy cup of soda tastes good on a hot day, but once the soda is gone, you may tend to crunch on the leftover ice. However, you may be setting yourself up for bigger dental problems over time. Ice cubes are brittle, and the cold temperature can cause your teeth to fracture. It can also crack your enamel. Crushed ice may be less harmful, but most dentists still advise against crunching.
Opening Bags with Your Teeth
I am a big offender on this one. When I’m out somewhere and I don’t have scissors, I use my teeth to pop open a bag. Other uses reported by dentists include ripping off a price tag on clothing, uncapping a bottle of nail polish, and pulling out a watch stem. There have even been reports of using teeth to straighten a bent fork tine.
This bad dental habit is hard on your teeth and can cause the edge of a weakened tooth to chip off or fracture.
Using a Toothbrush That Is Too Firm
Some people think the harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth will be. That’s not true, especially for older adults.
As you age, the gums recede, exposing the roots of the teeth, which can often increase tooth sensitivity. The root is covered with cementum, which is worn away more easily than enamel. A brush with too-firm bristles may irritate the gums and lead to sensitive teeth.
Not Brushing and Flossing
You may have a brushing and flossing routine, but how often do you follow it? Brushing should be done twice a day, and your manual toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, change the head every three to four months.
Dental professionals recommend flossing your teeth once a day. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, which can prevent gum disease and cavities.
I purchased a dental irrigator that helps me remove more plaque from my teeth. However, I still need to floss to make sure I’ve removed everything between my teeth.
Drinking Soda
When I was in the work world, I took a bottle of Diet Coke with me. I would sip all morning long.
This continual exposure to sweet foods can cause tooth decay. Sip soda through a straw to minimize exposure to soda on your teeth. Ensure the straw is positioned toward the back of your mouth, not resting against your teeth.
According to North Alabama Dental Associates, ” The sugar and acid in soda can irritate your gums, leading to inflammation and eventually gum disease. Gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and even heart disease.”
Summary
I want my joints to be as healthy as possible, so I keep all three cleaning appointments and follow the dentist’s recommendations. I no longer drink soda, so I’m no longer crunching ice or opening bags with my teeth. If taking care of your teeth means less joint pain, it’s worth it.
