From chewing on ice to using your teeth as tools, certain common behaviors can lead to chipped enamel, fractures, or even dislodged dental work. Avoiding these habits can help maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. As we embrace the year, let’s prioritize better oral health by eliminating these harmful practices from our daily routines.
1. Biting Nails Damage Teeth
Nail biting can wear down your teeth over time. If you are used to gnawing on your fingers and nails, it is time to reconsider. Not only can it wear down your teeth, it is generally unhealthy to put your fingers in your mouth. The amount of germs on your hands can lead to many illnesses.
2. Eating Ice Can Break Dental Work and Damage Teeth
A lot of people have the habit of eating ice or popcorn kernels. This habit can wear down the enamel of your natural teeth. It also can break dental work such as dentures, crowns or bridges. These fixtures are not made to withstand biting down on something as hard as ice.
3. Piercings in and Around the Mouth Affects Gums
When you have a tongue, cheek, or lip piercing, it can wreak havoc on your gums. The metal rubs against your gums and causes damage. This damage can lead to tooth loss or other oral health problems. Biting on a tongue ring can wear down enamel or break dental work.
4. Sucking on Cough Drops on a Regular Basis Can Lead to Cavities
This is the season when we are all getting hit with colds that cause us to cough a lot. Sucking on a cough drop can be great for your coughing, but the sugar can be bad for your teeth. The sugar gets stuck in between teeth and on dental work. The sweetener can lead to cavities as well as bad breath. It is best to rinse out your mouth after sucking on a cough drop along with limiting how many you eat.
5. Using Your Teeth to Open Packages Is Damaging
We’ve all had a package that is hard to open. What do you use when there are no scissors around? Your teeth, right? Just like eating ice, your teeth were not designed to bite down on packaging. This habit can lead to chipping or cracking of a tooth.
6. Snacking Throughout the Day Leaves Food Particles On Your Teeth
Would you believe that snacking on foods all day long can affect your teeth. When you eat something small, your mouth does not produce much saliva. The less saliva you produce when you eat will cause food to stay on your teeth. When food sticks to your teeth for hours, it can lead to cavities.
7. Chewing on Pens or Pencils Can Crack a Tooth
Do you have a nervous habit of chewing on a pen or pencil? This habit can cause the same problem as eating on ice. You can chip or crack a tooth. Also, you can wear down your teeth and eventually hit nerves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some unanswered questions about what else can damage your teeth? Check out our frequently asked questions below to find out more information!
Can drinking soda regularly harm my teeth?
Yes, drinking soda frequently can erode your enamel due to its high sugar and acid content. This can lead to cavities and increased tooth sensitivity.
Is brushing my teeth too hard bad for my oral health?
Overly aggressive brushing can wear down enamel and irritate your gums, potentially leading to gum recession and increased tooth sensitivity. It’s best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions.
Does grinding my teeth at night affect my dental health?
Absolutely, teeth grinding (bruxism) can cause significant damage to your teeth, including chipping, cracking, and wearing down the enamel. It can also lead to jaw pain and other oral health issues. Using a mouthguard at night can help protect your teeth.
Tips for Improving Your Dental Health
Tips for improving your dental health involve addressing bad habits head-on. Start by avoiding the use of your teeth as tools for opening packages; instead, keep scissors handy. Reduce snacking throughout the day and opt for healthy, teeth-friendly snacks like fruits and vegetables. If you have a habit of chewing on pens or pencils, try using stress balls or fidget tools to keep your mouth occupied. Limit the consumption of sugary and acidic drinks such as soda, and ensure you brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Additionally, consider using a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth to prevent further damage.
Schedule Your Dental Checkup Today
These habits can lead to oral health problems. If you have any damage on your teeth at this time, please feel free to set up a consultation appointment. Dr. Roe is a highly experienced cosmetic dentist in Dallas. He is specialized in working with dentures, dental implants, crowns, bridges, and other oral health care problems.
