Even if you brush and floss your teeth every day and visit your dentist every six months, you could unknowingly be doing things that damage your teeth and gums. To keep your oral hygiene in good shape, it is important to be gentle with your teeth and gums. Here are five common dental habits to avoid:
Grinding Your Teeth
Do you grind your teeth often? If so, you could really damage your pearly whites over time. When you clench down on your teeth, the enamel can wear down, putting your teeth at risks of cracks and chips. If you can’t help grinding your teeth while you sleep, a condition that isn’t uncommon among people, you should ask your dentist to give you a custom made mouth guard. This device will fit comfortably in your mouth and keep you from damaging your teeth.
Brushing Aggressively
Brushing your teeth with extra force will not get the plaque off any better. In fact, brushing your pearly whites too aggressively can wear down the enamel over time, making them a lot more sensitive. Make sure to use a soft bristle toothbrush and brush your teeth in gentle, circular motions. In fact, dental experts recommend brushing your teeth as though you’re cleaning a delicate piece of china.
Chewing on Ice
Chewing on some ice at the bottom of your glass might not seem like a big deal, but it can actually do a lot of damage to your teeth. The hardness of the ice can crack and chip your teeth over time.
Using Your Teeth as a Tool
If you ever use your teeth to open a bottle or tear off a clothing tag, you could really hurt them. Your teeth may be sharp, but they should never be used as tools. Food is the only thing you should chew with your teeth.
Nail Biting
Nail biting doesn’t just make your nails look unattractive; it can also cause damage to your teeth. When you bite down on your nails, it can wear down the enamel and even cause them to move out of place. Biting your nails can also irritate your jaw, increasing your risk of headaches and tooth grinding.
If you want to avoid future oral health problems, you should avoid engaging in these common dental habits. To ensure that your teeth are in good shape, don’t forget to visit a Greenville, SC dentist, like those from Falls Park Dentistry, once every six months.
Sources:
Dental Health and Teeth Grinding (Bruxism), WebMD
Common Dental Health Troublemakers, Everyday Health