Do your teeth sometimes feel too sensitive out of the blue? There is a chance that you might have certain habits in your daily life that are silently ruing your teeth and gums. Being aware of these habits and actively trying to get rid of them can certainly help your oral health.
Read this blog to learn about the common habits that can harm your teeth and the ways to break them.
The Bad Effects of Crunching Ice
Do you love chewing on ice on hot summer days? Your sensitive enamel will never appreciate the cold and hard ice. That crunch could be satisfying, but it’ll eventually result in cracks, chips, and worn-out enamel. Here is how you can quit:
- Drink cold water rather than chewing on cubes.
- Replace chewing ice with crushed ice if you love the texture too much.
- Use sugar-free mints or xylitol gum for the same oral gratification.
Effects of Using Teeth as Tools
Do you keep opening bottles and packages with your teeth? This habit can strain your teeth or even damage the roots, causing infections. In such cases, see a Springfield dentist to avoid further damage.
Keep a small multi-tool or scissors in your bag or car. This might prevent you from using your teeth as tools when you need to open a package.
The Problem of Grinding
Do you keep grinding your teeth while sleeping? Bruxism wears down your enamel, makes your teeth sensitive, and can even crack your teeth. Here are some signs of this habit:
- Morning jaw soreness
- Headaches
- Flattened or chipped teeth
See the dentist to get your soft nightguard to wear at night, and practice stress relieving methods like yoga and steer clear of alcohol or caffeine near bedtime.
Sipping Acidic or Sugary Drinks Throughout the Day
Do you love having sugary sodas and juices? These items might be silently destroying your teeth. Here are some ways to avoid the damage:
- Drink using a straw to reduce contact with your teeth.
- Rinse with water after sipping.
- Don’t brush right away. Wait 30 minutes to prevent scrubbing softened enamel.
Brushing Too Hard and Skipping Flossing
Do you brush your teeth too aggressively? This can wear away enamel and force gums back, exposing your sensitive root surfaces. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush to avoid this.
Flossing can take out the plaque stuck in between your teeth that brushing alone cannot remove. Skipping this step puts you at a higher risk of experiencing tooth decay and gum disease.
Putting Off Dental Appointments
You don’t always need to experience pain to develop hidden cavities and other such diseases in your mouth. Here is why routine checkups are important:
- The dentist can identify problems early and treat them with non-invasive methods.
- Professional cleanings can eliminate hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing can’t reach.
- They will check your overall oral health since it is connected to your heart health, diabetes, and more.
Your smile can last long only if you take good care of it. Consider teeth and gums as valuable assets that play a big role in maintaining your overall well-being. Give up on the above-mentioned habits to avoid mishaps and see the dentist regularly to detect any possible oral problems.
Are you ready to practice good oral hygiene? Schedule a consultation today to learn more.