While you already know about brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly, you might have some bad dental habits that are causing damage to your teeth. Take a look at this list of common activities that can negatively impact your oral health, as well as tips that can help you stop.
Using Your Teeth as Tools
Do you use your teeth to bite tags off of newly purchased items? Or maybe you use them in place of nail clippers to keep your nails trimmed, or as a vice to twist open stubborn water bottles. According to the American Dental Association’s Mouth Healthy website “Your teeth were made for eating, not to stand in as a pair of scissors or hold things when your hands are full. When you do this, you put yourself at a higher risk of cracking your teeth, injuring your jaw, or accidentally swallowing something you shouldn’t.
Your teeth are a convenient tool, but should not be used as such. If you find yourself doing so, first make a mental note to stop. Also, carry a small pair of manicure scissors with you so you will be less likely to resort to biting food packages, your fingernails, or other objects.
Chewing Ice
Many people crunch ice when they enjoy a cold drink. Chewing on ice, particularly large pieces of ice, can cause crazing, which are tiny cracks down the tooth. Crazing can contribute to tooth sensitivity and it can also allow decay into the porous dentin (inner layer) of your tooth. The result can be a cavity, a lost filling, or a fractured tooth.
Crunching ice can be tempting, but do what you can to avoid doing it. Add less ice to your beverages, so you’ll have fewer (and smaller) pieces left in the cup once your drink is gone. Also, consider using crushed ice instead of larger ice cubes; crushed ice is more likely to melt before you can eat it and less likely to cause fractures if you were to crunch down on a piece. Keeping sugar-free chewing gum with you can alleviate your need to chew on something without damaging your teeth.
Clenching and Grinding
Many people clench or grind their teeth, particularly at night. This can give you headaches and jaw pain in the morning. Long term, it can cause flattening of the molars, lost or loose fillings, and fractures in the teeth. Some signs that you’re grinding include tenderness in your jaw or teeth, headaches, and a sleeping partner who tells you that you’re grinding.
Your dentist can fabricate a nightguard for you if you are clenching or grinding. This changes the alignment of the teeth overnight and discourages grinding. Reducing your stress can also help; consider taking up yoga, meditating, or seeing someone who specializes in stress reduction.
Taking control of the habits that can impact your teeth can lead to a healthier, happier smile. In addition, the not-for-profit website The Human Health Project recommends the following habits for positive oral health:
- Brushing regularly
- Applying moderate force with a medium hardness bristle brush
- Brush in a circular and vertical fashion
- Changing your brush once in 3 months
- Use mouthwashes/floss/rising aids
- Refrain from tobacco
- Visit a dentist regularly
- Limit frequent sugar intake
- Rinse your mouth regularly after every meal if you can’t brush
- For children, use timed lighted musical brushes and fluoridated mouthwashes and toothpaste
- Discourage bad habits like digit/thumb/pencil sucking, etc.
Please call us if you are having trouble dropping bad dental habits that are harming your oral health.
