Heads up and down with the cold-hot rule? 5 habits to choose 'twelve'

Bangla Press Desk:   Do your teeth hurt when you eat something cold or hot? Even though your teeth look shiny, there are growing problems inside? Tooth sensitivity, enamel erosion, or weak teeth and gums—these problems are no longer just diseases that come with age. Rather, they are increasing at an alarming rate even among young people. Just as neglect of oral health is responsible for this, some daily habits are silently damaging your teeth.

Let's find out—which 5 daily habits are the main causes of tooth damage.

1. Brushing too hard or in the wrong way

Many people think that the harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth will be. In reality, the opposite happens. If you brush with excessive pressure or in the wrong way, the most important protective layer of your teeth—the enamel layer—gradually erodes.

This enamel protects your teeth from injury, bacteria, and sensitivity. Once damaged, it cannot be rebuilt. This erosion is accelerated by regular vigorous brushing or by chewing hard foods, such as meat bones. Result: Headaches after eating something cold or hot.

What to do: Reduce pressure while brushing your teeth and use a soft-bristled toothbrush as a solution.

2. Excessively acidic and sugary foods and drinks

Regular and excessive consumption of soda, energy drinks, lemon juice, fruit juice, tea, coffee, or sweet foods is inevitable. These foods and drinks weaken tooth enamel due to acid attack. When an acidic environment is created in the mouth, bacteria grow rapidly and the enamel gradually begins to erode. Therefore, it is important to rinse your mouth thoroughly after consuming these drinks.

What to do: Use a straw if possible - this will reduce direct contact with the teeth.

3. Not drinking enough water

Many people do not know that not drinking water regularly also damages teeth. Not drinking enough water reduces the production of saliva. However, this saliva is the natural protective shield of the teeth and mouth.

Saliva reduces the effects of acids, keeps teeth clean, and helps strengthen enamel. When the body is dehydrated, saliva production decreases, which increases the acid level in the mouth and weakens the enamel.

What to do: Therefore, it is very important to drink enough water every day for dental health.

4. The pitfalls of home whitening tricks

Who doesn't like sparkling white teeth? Because of this attraction, many people try to whiten their teeth at home with lemon, baking soda, or activated charcoal without consulting a doctor—which is very popular on social media. Although it temporarily makes teeth appear brighter, these ingredients are actually very abrasive or acidic. As a result, enamel wears down quickly and teeth become more sensitive.

What to do: When it comes to whitening teeth, it is safer to use a mild fluoride toothpaste or professional whitening treatment on the advice of a doctor instead of trying your own techniques.

5. Relying on regular toothpaste

Many toothpastes on the market only claim to whiten teeth or eliminate bad breath. But they do not pay much attention to protecting tooth enamel.

Regular toothpaste is not enough to prevent tooth sensitivity or enamel erosion.

What to do: In this case, using enamel-protecting or sensitivity control toothpaste is more beneficial.

Dental problems do not develop overnight—small habits gradually cause big damage. If you are aware of these five habits today, then it is possible to easily avoid major dental problems, starting from cold and heat. Dental care is not just about beauty—it is an important part of a healthy life.

BP/TD