You might not think about it often, but there are instances where you can hurt your teeth without knowing. Of course, the adverse effects will not instantly apply to you until you feel your teeth aching, being sensitive, or suddenly falling out. And when this time comes, you’ll be forced to contact an emergency dentist to see your case and provide a solution.
Remember, prevention will always be better than cure. Luckily, this article will discuss the harmful habits that most people use to their teeth so you can avoid them early on.
Nail Biting
Some people believe nail biting is common, especially for people dealing with anxiety and stress. Unfortunately, this habit can be detrimental to your teeth. Biting your nails can provoke your teeth to chip, break, and even become loose. Moreover, the bacteria and dirt in your fingernails can cause infection and other dental issues.
One thing you can avoid doing this is picking a nail color that would help you avoid putting your nails in your mouth. You can also keep your nails short, making it harder to bite them. Lastly, try to be mindful of when you do it and replace it with other activities.
Chewing Hard Objects
You might think chewing on hard objects such as ice cubes, lollipop sticks, and hard candy can help your teeth become stronger. However, this is not the case in reality. In fact, this can cause damage to your teeth, leading to chips and cracks. It can also cause excessive wear and tear on your teeth, contributing to other dental issues.
To avoid this, try to abstain from chewing on hard objects and opt for softer alternatives like gum or sugarless candy. If you must chew on something hard, make sure it is made of materials that wonβt damage your teeth, such as raw vegetables or fruits. Additionally, try to be mindful of when you are chewing and take breaks in between.
Using Your Teeth as Tools
This habit is usually done by people regularly, such as opening packages and tearing off tags. In fact, few people show off how they remove bottle caps with their teeth and think it’s amazing. Although it might appear impressive, it is very dangerous for your teeth.
Using your teeth as tools can make them chipped, cracked, or broken. It can also cause them to become loose, leading to more serious dental issues. To avoid this, use the right tools for the job, such as scissors or pliers. This will help protect your teeth and keep them healthy.
Grinding Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, is a common habit most people have. This is especially typical for those who are dealing with stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, grinding your teeth can cause your teeth to become loose, leading to dental pain and other complications.
What If Your Teeth Gets Damaged Because of These Habits
If you are going through a dental emergency, visit an emergency dentist. They can provide immediate relief and help diagnose the root cause of your dental pain. An emergency dentist can also provide you with medications to help reduce pain and swelling and advise you on preventing future dental issues.
Final Thoughts
There are bad habits that can make your teeth damaged and worsen over time. Hence, you should avoid them as much as possible. If your teeth are already damaged, you should visit an emergency dentist to get the right treatment.
Manassas Smiles has a team of reliable emergency dentists who can provide the best care to help you deal with your dental issues. Contact us today to book an appointment!