Many of you may not know this but there are several habits that you may indulge in unknowingly that can cause significant damage to your teeth. To help you out, we thought it would be useful to put together a brief discussion on bad habits that you need to avoid to preserve your teeth. If this is something that you’re interested in learning more about, here are five bad habits that you didn’t know are ruining your teeth.
1. Chewing Ice
Many people love to chew on ice after finishing a drink, thinking that it’s harmless. However, chewing ice can cause significant damage to your teeth. The hard texture of ice can cause microscopic cracks in your teeth, weakening them over time. These cracks can lead to tooth sensitivity, and in severe cases, even tooth fractures. So, the next time you feel like chewing ice, resist the urge and reach for a piece of sugar-free gum instead.
2. Using Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth as tools to open bags, bottles, or anything else is a bad habit that can cause severe damage to your teeth. When you use your teeth as tools, you put a lot of pressure on them, which can cause them to crack or chip. Additionally, using your teeth as tools can also damage your gums and lead to gum recession. So, the next time you need to open a bag or bottle, reach for a pair of scissors or a bottle opener instead of using your teeth.
3. Grinding Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, is a common habit that many people do unknowingly. This habit can cause significant damage to your teeth over time. When you grind your teeth, you put a lot of pressure on them, which can cause them to wear down, crack or fracture.
Grinding your teeth can also lead to jaw pain, headaches, and earaches. If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a custom mouthguard to wear at night to protect your teeth.
4. Drinking Soda
Drinking soda is a bad habit that can cause significant damage to your teeth. Soda contains high levels of sugar and acid, both of which can erode your tooth enamel over time. When your tooth enamel wears down, it can lead to tooth sensitivity and cavities.
5. Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. However, brushing your teeth too hard can cause significant damage to your teeth and gums. When you brush your teeth too hard, you can wear down your tooth enamel, causing tooth sensitivity and cavities.
Conclusion
We hope this discussion has helped you understand what habits you need to avoid in order to prevent dental issues later on. By breaking these habits and practicing good oral hygiene, you can protect your teeth and maintain good oral health. If you have any concerns about your oral health, talk to your dentist, and schedule regular dental checkups to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
If you need professional cosmetic dentistry in Manassas to combat any dental issues caused by poor habits, visit Manassas Smiles! We offer complete dental care services under one roof to help everyone enjoy their best smiles. Schedule an appointment now!