We all want to take good care of our teeth and gums. However, we may be causing damage to our oral health without even realizing it! While the habits listed below may seem completely harmless, they can actually be causing lasting damage.
Using your teeth as a tool.
From opening packages, to ripping off price tags, to unscrewing caps, we have a tendency to utilize our teeth for jobs that they were not made to complete. While our dental enamel is the hardest substance in our body, it can still be damaging to our teeth when we perform these tasks. Overusing our teeth in this manner can cause them to weaken, chip, or even fracture.
Crunching on ice cubes.
When you finish an icy cold drink, do you have tendency to chew on the ice cubes? This is actually quite common. However, this can be a harmful habit for your teeth. The temperature and brittleness of the ice cubes can be damaging to your dental enamel, causing microscopic cracks that can ultimately lead to greater damage and oral health problems in the long run. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you kick the habit of chewing on your ice cubes as soon as possible!
Sipping on sodas.
Do you slowly sip on a soda as you work or during a long commute? This can lead to tooth decay over time! While it is no surprise that the sugar in soda is bad for your teeth, it is actually the prolonged exposure to these sugars that can do the most damage. The bacteria in plaque feed on the sugars in your food and beverages and release harmful acids that lead to tooth decay. Your saliva works to fight against these harmful acids in a process called “remineralization.” However, if you continue to feed the bacteria by sipping on soda, these repeated “acid attacks” make it difficult for your mouth to combat the effects. If you can’t avoid soda, try to drink it quickly and brush your teeth immediately afterwards. That said, water is the much preferred option for the health of your teeth!
Brushing your teeth too hard.
You may be surprised to learn that there is such a thing as over-brushing. Whether you’re using a firm-bristled toothbrush or just brushing too vigorously, this can cause lasting damage to your oral health. You may be at risk for damaging your dental enamel and harming your gums, which can cause dental sensitivity. It is important to remember when brushing that dental plaque is actually soft and very easy to remove. Therefore, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your teeth is sufficient.
Chewing on your pen or pencil.
We know that chewing on your pencil can be a subconscious habit, particularly when you’re thinking or just bored. However, doing this too often can cause a number of issues for your teeth. For starters, it can crack or damage your dental enamel and even loosen dental restorations. Also, by making this a habit, you could gradually shift your teeth out of proper alignment. This is why we strongly recommend avoiding this habit as much as possible!
To ensure your teeth are in good condition and to protect your teeth from further damage, contact Valley Dental Care of Plainfield today to set up your next routine check-up!