Protecting Your Teeth – 8 Bad Habits To Avoid

1. Nail Biting. Besides introducing bacteria into your mouth, this nervous habit can chip teeth and add unnecessary damaging pressure to your jaw. Instead, try stress reducing exercises, bitter tasting nail polishes or take up a hobby to keep your hands busy, like knitting.

2. Toothpicks. Using a toothpick is not the best way to remove food particles stuck between your teeth, as they can cause abrasions and damage your teeth at the base where it meets the gum line. This can potentially lead to gum disease and other dental problems. Instead, use either dental floss or interdental brushes.

3. Brushing Too Hard. Brushing your teeth with a hard toothbrush, or brushing too hard, can damage teeth and irritate gums. You should brush your teeth for approximately two minutes, at least twice. Use a soft toothbrush using a lighter pressure. Don’t think about scrubbing your teeth as you would your tile grout. Be gentle and give your teeth a nice massage.

4. Continuous Snacking. Not good for your waistline and detrimental to your teeth, especially if you are snacking on sugary food, sucking candy and/or sipping sugar loaded drinks like sodas all day. The leftover food in your mouth creates cavity causing bacteria and placque. Sodas are acidic and eat away at the enamel in your teeth. Eat regular meals and choose healthy snacks such as apples, celery, and carrots. Sip soda through a straw to minimize soda exposure to your teeth. Better still, switch to water! And if you must snack, try to get into the habit of brushing after snacking.

5. Chewing On Ice Cubes. Both tooth enamel and ice are crystals. When you push two crystals against each other, one of them will break and unfortunately, it may be the tooth or a filling. Choose to drink chilled beverages without ice, or use a straw so you’re not tempted to chew on the ice.

6. Sucking on Lemons. Lemons cause tooth erosion, the thin, protective layer of enamel slowly wears away from your teeth because lemon juice contains acid, which irritates gums and softens your tooth enamel. If you enjoy lemon in your water,

6. Using Your Teeth As Tools. Teeth are meant for eating, not as a substitute for scissors. Hands are for holding items, don’t use your teeth to carry, tear or pull things apart. When you do this, you put your teeth at risk of cracking them or hurting your jaw. Instead, keep scissors handy or ask for help.

7. Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth. This can cause chipping and cracking of the teeth in addition to the jaw, joint or muscle tenderness or pain. As with other habits like nail biting, try relaxation techniques and calming music. As you are very likely grinding your teeth in your sleep, a night mouth guard can be very helpful. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss and to get fitted for one. (More about this in a later blog)

For a lifetime of healthy teeth, Albrights Dental Practice offers a wide range of dental services in a relaxed atmosphere with the latest equipment.

ALBRIGHTS DENTAL PRACTICE
2804 Walbert Ave.
Allentown, PA 18104
(610) 821-8024
Serving the greater Lehigh Valley, PA area.