6 Bad Dental Habits to Break Now
Bad habits are hard to break. If you practice bad dental hygiene habits, it’s time to make some changes. The following are a list of bed dental habits to break now or you could see some negative affects on your healthy smile.
- Crunching on Hard Foods: Chewing on tough foods like ice cubes can cause harm to your teeth overtime. The cold temps may cause your teeth to fracture or cause cracks in the surface of the enamel, which could lead to bigger dental problems in the future. While less harmful, crushed ice is still not recommended.
- Sipping Sugary Drinks: Constant exposure to sugary drinks like soda or iced tea promotes tooth decay. Substitute sugary drinks with more water or sip through a straw to minimize exposure to the teeth.
- Using Your Teeth as a Tool: Think twice before using your teeth for anything other than eating. For instance, using your teeth to tear open a bag of chips, chew your nails off, or open a bottle of soda could cause them to chip or fracture.
- Grinding Your Teeth: Tooth grinding may be caused by stress or an abnormal bite. Your dentist may suggest wearing a mouth guard at night, but no matter what time of day, tooth grinding wears your teeth down. If you are experiencing high levels of stress, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your anxiety or nervousness.
- Using a Hard-Bristled Toothbrush: A firmer toothbrush isn’t always better for your teeth. As we age, our teeth become more sensitive and firm bristles may irritate the gums.
- Not Brushing or Flossing: Maintain a healthy, normal dental health routine. Remember to brush twice a day and floss daily. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months. For good measure, mouthwash helps to prevent tooth decay.
If you are guilty of doing any of the above bad habits, it’s time to see a dentist. Call Dr. Bruce Silva to make an appointment for a dental checkup today.
