At Smiles of Round Lake, we know It is important to maintain proper dental hygiene throughout our lives. As a child, we were likely taught the importance of caring for our teeth and gums; however, as we age, we may forget to practice these habits. Unfortunately, certain bad habits can damage our oral health if not corrected – from grinding teeth to using them as tools – so it is essential to monitor these behaviors in order to prevent harm. We have compiled a list of Bad Habits That Could Harm Your Teeth for you.
Chewing on Ice
Chewing on ice may seem like an innocent habit, but it can be very damaging to your teeth. Every time you crunch on those cubes, you run the risk of causing cracks and chips in your tooth enamel. This can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort, as well as an emergency trip to the dentist.
Clenching and Grinding your Teeth
Clenching and grinding your teeth can be a sign of stress, but it can also cause serious damage to your teeth and jaw. When you clench or grind your teeth, the pressure on them can cause cracks or chips in the enamel, as well as pain and discomfort in the jaw. Over time, this habit can wear down your teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay and other problems.
Teeth are not Tools
Using your teeth as tools is a dangerous habit that can cause serious damage to your dental health. Teeth are not designed to open packages or carry objects when your arms are full, and using them for anything other than eating can lead to cracked or chipped teeth, jaw damage, and other painful injuries. The convenience of using your teeth as tools is not worth the potential harm it can cause.
Not Brushing Properly
Brushing your teeth is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing cavities. Unfortunately, many people don’t brush their teeth properly or often enough. It’s recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day for optimal dental health. If you’re not brushing and flossing regularly, it’s time to get back on track! This seems to be one of the easier ones to avoid Bad Habits that Could Harm Your Teeth.
Avoiding Flossing
Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene that many people overlook. Not only does it help to remove food particles from between teeth, but it also helps to clean around the gum line where bacteria can build up and cause bad breath. Unfortunately, many people don’t floss regularly because they find it boring or difficult to do properly. A recent study was reported by CNN saying only one-third of Americans floss.
Eating Hard Candy, Toffee, and popcorn kernels
Eating hard candy, toffee, and popcorn kernels can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to your teeth. Dentists recommend avoiding hard candy because it can damage teeth, leading to cavities and tooth decay. Chewy toffee and popcorn kernels are even worse, as they are so hard that they can chip or break off a tooth entirely. Even though nuts are a healthy snack, biting into one of them too hard could fracture a filling or even a tooth.
Drinking Coffee or Wine
Drinking coffee or wine can have a detrimental effect on your teeth. Coffee, soda, wine, and tea all contain pigmented substances and tannins that can stain your teeth over time. Even dark juices and condiments such as tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar can discolor teeth. Red wine may contain healthy antioxidants, but the pigmented substances and tannins can do a number on those pearly whites. If you think you’ll just switch from red to white wine, think again. White wine also erodes enamel and has fruit acids that can penetrate the teeth.
Taking Gummy Vitamins
Gummy vitamins are a popular way to get your daily dose of essential nutrients. Unfortunately, they can also be detrimental to your oral health. Unlike traditional pills or capsules, gummy vitamins are essentially just like candy gummy worms. They come in cute shapes and fruity flavors that make them easy to chew and swallow, but they can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. The sticky substances from the gummies get into the crevices of your teeth if you don’t brush them out afterward because those substances will remain attached to your teeth just like candy and cause cavities.
Biting Your Finger Nails
Biting your nails is a habit that many of us have, but it’s not the best for our health. Not only can it spread bacteria from everything we touch throughout the day, but if you have any cuts or sores in your mouth, putting your fingers in there can cause an infection. It’s no wonder why parents tell their children to stop biting their nails; they want to protect them from getting sick.
Use Tobacco Products
It has been linked to a variety of serious health issues, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses. The use of tobacco can also lead to gum problems and damage to your teeth. This is why it is so important to stay away from tobacco in order to maintain good health and a beautiful smile. We’ve talked about this previously in one of our earlier blogs here.
It may seem daunting at first to try and break a bad habit. Once you do, your teeth will thank you for it. Visiting your general dentist is an important part of maintaining good dental health. Regular visits to the dentist can help you prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. Here at Smiles of Round Lake, IL. we provide comprehensive dental care services to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. Our experienced team of dentists offers a wide range of treatments from routine cleanings to restorative services. We can be reached by phone at 847-546-1542 and by email at [email protected].