Bad Dental Habits that are Damaging Your Teeth
January 11, 2020
The habits and practices that are formed early in life will have a long-term effect on your health and wellness. If you want to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile, then right now is the time that you need to make changes in your dental habits. Seemingly small issues right now can result in major dental work and big issues in the future.
Proper dental care is the most important thing that you can do to avoid complications like tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease, and root canals. All of these dental issues are avoidable, which is why you need to set a goal to take better care of your teeth. Here are a few bad habits that need to be broken right away:
Table of Contents
Unhealthy Snacks and Meals
The foods that you put in your mouth each day will have an impact on the quality of your teeth. Common eating problems that lead to tooth damage include:
- Chewing on ice
- Sucking on candy or sugary treats throughout the day
- Sipping on soda
- Eating a lot of acidic foods
- Choosing meals without nutritional value
If you choose to drink soda or eat something that has sugar, then it is important that you consume the treat quickly. One of the worst things that you can do is keep the sugar on the surface of your teeth for an extended time. For example, taking a sip of soda every 15 minutes creates the perfect conditions for tooth decay.
Grinding and Other Nervous Habits
Stress or TMJ can lead to tooth grinding, which will likely damage the teeth. If you grind your teeth during the day or at night, then you need to talk to us right away for treatment. Other nervous habits might include chewing on pens or pencils or always having a toothpick in your mouth.
At first, these habits don’t cause any problems. Eventually, the repetitive motion can wear down the teeth and cause them to chip, crack, or break.
Establishing Healthy Habits
In addition to avoiding the bad habits, make sure that you are proactive about establishing healthy habits. Always brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and use toothpaste with fluoride. Practice correct brushing habits to ensure that you reach all the surfaces of the teeth. Don’t forget to floss!
For more tips that will help you maintain a healthy smile, schedule an exam in our office. Talk to our team at Simply Teeth to learn how we can support your dental health.