Picking up bad habits for teeth is often too easy, but these actions may be why you are struggling to keep your teeth in perfect condition. Today we’ll zero in on some of these bad habits. Steer clear of these nasty tropes and embark on a journey of care and well-maintained pearly whites.
1. Brushing too hard
While you want your teeth to be clean, applying too much pressure when brushing is never a good idea. When you brush too hard, you may inadvertently wear down and erode the enamel that protects your teeth.
This will lead to tooth sensitivity and makes it easier for bacteria to damage your teeth. In addition, it will cause the gum tissue to recede.
2. Teeth grinding
If you find yourself grinding your teeth, it’s all kinds of alarms screaming trouble. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be an inherited trait, and it is often linked to stress and anxiety. While teeth grinding can happen at any time, many people grind their teeth in their sleep without knowing it.
Teeth grinding may pose an assortment of health problems to your mouth. These include: chipped tooth enamel, cracked teeth, loose teeth, flat, worn-down teeth, joint problems, and tooth loss.
3. Soda
High sugar plus high acidity makes a bad dental combo. Frequent soda drinking will bathe your teeth in sugar and can lead to dental decay. Additionally, increased acid exposure works to erode tooth enamel and can lead to tooth sensitivity.
If you still want to drink soda, here are some ways to reduce your use. Cut back on the soda you drink every day. Opt for water, the healthier thirst-quencher. Minimize enamel erosion by rinsing with water after your teeth have been exposed to acidic beverages.
4. Smoking
Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of bad teeth. Smoking exposes your teeth to nicotine and tobacco, which causes your teeth to turn yellow, leaving unsightly stains. The smoke also weakens the enamel covering your teeth, leading to tooth decay.
In addition, constantly inhaling smoke results in bad breath. It will also lead to gum disease, and in the long run, food even begins to taste differently.
5. Chewing ice
This is a seemingly harmless, often unconscious habit. But ice-chewing can cause permanent damage to your teeth, putting small cracks in the enamel.
These cracks can grow larger over time and ultimately cause a tooth to fracture, requiring a visit to the dentist and unnecessary expense to get the cracks fixed. The American Dental Association advises you to skip the ice if this habit is too tough to resist. Try opting for chilled water instead, or order your drinks without ice to resist the harmful urge to chew those hard cubes.
