Some Dental Habits That Could Be Costing You Your Smile!

We all know that many dental habits can improve your smile, but did you know that some dental habits can actually be bad for your teeth? While everyone knows that habits like brushing, flossing and paying your dentist a visit twice a year will improve your dental health, not everyone is aware of bad dental habits.

Some dental habits can actually harm your teeth and compromise all that effort you put into your pearly whites. Avoid these bad dental habits to make sure your teeth stay in tip-top condition:

1. Using your teeth as a can opener. Your mouth is not meant to open bags or bottles, so opt instead for a tool that’s right for that job. Using your teeth as a tool to open something could actually cause a chip or fracture in your teeth. Avoid doing this at all costs and use your hands instead.
2. Teeth grinding. Sometimes, you can’t help grinding your teeth because you are stressed out or doing it in your sleep. Become more aware of when you are grinding your teeth and consciously think about avoiding this harmful habit. Grinding your teeth can wear them down and weaken your enamel. If your jaw is sore in the morning from teeth grinding, you may want to look into getting a mouth guard to wear while you slumber.
3. Constant Crunching. Avoid constant crunching on very hard foods, like pretzels and hard candies. Very hard foods, and things like ice cubes and popcorn kernels, can cause your teeth to fracture.
4. Using the wrong toothbrush. Many people think that any toothbrush is a good toothbrush, but this isn’t always the case. Generally speaking, a soft or medium-bristled toothbrush is better than a hard-bristled toothbrush. This is especially true if you have sensitive gums or teeth that can easily be irritated by tough toothbrush bristles.
5. Overloading on sugar. While it’s obvious that you shouldn’t constantly be eating candy or chocolate, you should also avoid sugary drinks like soda and iced tea that can also lead to tooth decay. If you can’t kick your soda habit, you can at least switch to drinking out of a straw to minimize the amount of sugary liquid that touches your teeth.

Follow these tips to avoid bad dental habits and steer clear of dental trouble. If you have any questions about any of your dental habit, feel free to contact us or schedule a visit!