At Abingdon Box Hill Family Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. While regular dental checkups and proper oral hygiene are essential, there are some common habits that could be undermining your efforts. Many people engage in behaviors that unknowingly harm their teeth, leading to long-term damage. Here are some bad habits to avoid—and why breaking them is crucial for your dental health.
1. Using Your Teeth as Tools
Ever tried opening a bag of chips with your teeth or tearing through a plastic package? While this might seem like a quick solution, using your teeth for anything other than chewing food can cause them to crack, chip, or wear down over time. Your teeth are not designed for such tasks and the pressure applied can lead to serious dental injuries.
Solution: Always keep scissors or a proper tool nearby to avoid the temptation of using your teeth.
2. Nail Biting
Biting your nails is not only a nervous habit, but it also has detrimental effects on your teeth. This repetitive motion can cause tooth wear, chip the edges, and even result in jaw pain. Additionally, nail-biting introduces harmful bacteria from your hands into your mouth, increasing the risk of infection.
Solution: Consider using bitter-tasting nail polish or stress-relief techniques like squeezing a stress ball to help kick the habit.
3. Chewing on Ice
Chewing on ice may seem harmless, but it can cause serious damage to your teeth. Ice is hard and can lead to enamel erosion, cracks, and fractures. Over time, this can also lead to increased tooth sensitivity and more frequent dental visits.
Solution: If you like crunching on something cold, try switching to softer alternatives like chilled fruit or frozen yogurt.
4. Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth
Many people grind or clench their teeth, especially during sleep. This condition, known as bruxism, can lead to tooth sensitivity, enamel erosion, and even fractures. If left untreated, bruxism can also cause headaches, jaw pain, and other issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Solution: If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth at night, talk to us about getting a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth.
5. Excessive Snacking on Sugary Foods
While it’s no secret that sugar leads to cavities, constantly snacking on sugary treats throughout the day increases your teeth’s exposure to acid, which erodes enamel and leads to decay. Even sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks contribute to this problem.
Solution: Cut down on sugary snacks and beverages. When you do indulge, make sure to brush your teeth afterward or rinse your mouth with water to reduce the damage.
6. Skipping Regular Dental Checkups
It’s easy to push off routine dental appointments, but neglecting them can allow small issues to develop into more serious problems. Regular checkups help catch cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues early, preventing pain and more complex (and costly) treatments later on.
Solution: Schedule your dental checkups every six months. If you’ve been putting it off, now is the time to get back on track!
7. Brushing Too Hard
Brushing your teeth is a must, but brushing too hard can wear down enamel and irritate your gums. Over time, this can lead to tooth sensitivity and receding gums.
Solution: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions when brushing. There’s no need to scrub—let the brush and toothpaste do the work.
8. Using Tobacco Products
Smoking and using other tobacco products are not only bad for your overall health, but they also have a serious impact on your oral health. Tobacco use leads to gum disease, tooth discoloration, bad breath, and a higher risk of oral cancer.
Solution: Quitting tobacco products can drastically improve both your oral and overall health. Speak to your healthcare provider for tips or tools to help you quit.
Breaking these bad habits is key to maintaining a healthy smile for years to come. At Abingdon Box Hill Family Dentistry, we’re here to help you on your journey toward optimal oral health. If you have any concerns about your dental habits or would like to schedule a checkup, don’t hesitate to reach out! Together, we can protect your teeth and keep them in great shape for life.
Contact Us Today!
For more information or to book an appointment, call Abingdon Box Hill Family Dentistry at 410-569-8500
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