5 Bad Habits That Can Wreck Your Teeth

You know what you should be doing to keep your teeth clean and healthy–brush, floss, visit the dentist, and the list goes on. But do you know what you shouldn’t be doing? In this post, we’ll cover five common habits that may be harming your teeth.

1. Chewing Ice

We know it’s common: You get to the bottom of your drink and, whether it’s a lingering thirst or a desire for a cool crunch, you start to chew on the ice that’s left over. Think twice before doing this, as you’re putting your teeth at risk. Chewing on ice can damage tooth enamel and even crack or break a tooth. If you have braces or other dental hardware, or a filling, they may also be damaged. Looking for something crunchy? Opt for carrots! They’re healthy and they clean your teeth, too.

2. Not Wearing a Sports Mouthguard

Athletics can be a dental emergency waiting to happen. When participating in a sport, it’s so important that you have a mouthguard on. There are a few different options when it comes to mouthguards, and you can talk to your dentist if you’re not sure which is best for you.

3. Grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a damaging problem that often goes unnoticed by patients until their dentist points out the damage. This is because many people grind and clench in their teeth. If you grind your teeth, try to identify the root cause, often anxiety, and address it if you can. Also consider investing in a nightguard, which will protect your teeth while you sleep.

4. Brushing to Hard

Many patients assume that the harder they brush, the better they’ll be able to reach the bacteria embedded deep between the teeth and gums. The truth is that brushing too hard causes more harm than good, damaging your enamel and causing the gums to recede. The secret is to brush gently and thoroughly, for a full two minutes, and to floss every day.

5. Using Your Teeth as a Tool

Never. We repeat, never use your teeth to open a bottle, rip off a tag, or anything of the sort. Your teeth may seem strong and hard, but they are more fragile than they look, and using them as a tool could cause irreversible damage and a whole lot of pain.

Got Questions? Contact Us!

Want to know more of what you should and shouldn’t do? Here at Dental Solutions of Avon, we have answers to all of your dental care questions.