From nail-biting to chewing on ice, most of us have everyday habits that we don’t realize are harming our teeth. Find out the 5 most common ones here and what you can do to nip them in the bud for good.
Nail Biting
If you bite your nails, the force placed on your teeth can slowly wear down your enamel and eventually cause your teeth to crack and chip. While it may be difficult to control this habit, there are a few things you can try to reduce your urge to put your fingers in your mouth in the first place. Applying foul-tasting nail polish and keeping a stress ball or fidget spinner nearby, can help you cut back on biting and give your teeth a break.
Smoking
Smoking doesn’t just stain your teeth, the chemicals in cigarettes are also extremely harmful to your teeth and gums. If you’ve tried to quit in the past but have struggled to butt out for good, ask your doctor about the new options that are available today.
Chewing on Ice
Ice is also incredibly bad for your teeth. Biting down on even a small piece of ice can break your teeth or cause a filling or crown to fall out. If you start to feel the urge to bite down, pick up raw veggies instead. Carrots and celery sticks can give you just as much pleasure as chewing on ice but with way less risk of damaging your teeth.
Opening Packages
One bad habit that you need to break today is opening up packages with your teeth. It may be convenient when you can’t rip a plastic package open, but it can weaken your teeth and cause fracturing to occur. It only takes a minute to find a pair of scissors to open that bag or wrapper.
Brushing Too Hard
Brushing too aggressively can also damage your teeth and cause your gums to recede, counteracting what you’re trying to achieve in the first place. This can eventually cause tooth sensitivity and damaged enamel. By switching to a softer brush and easing up on the amount of pressure used, you can protect your teeth and give them a thorough cleaning.
The worst habit you can have is letting your dental appointments lapse. Even just missing one appointment can have a negative impact on your oral health. So make sure you follow through and see your dentist every 6 months or as directed. Need an appointment? Contact our office at Carlingwood Dental today!
