Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, and visit the dentist every once in awhile, it doesn’t mean you have great dental hygiene. There are many bad habits that can harm your teeth without even realizing it like these five below:
1. Chewing Ice :
Many people enjoy chomping on ice after drinking a nice, cold drink. It may be refreshing, but it isn’t for your teeth. Biting down on the cold, hard ice causes fractures in your enamel, which can lead to cavities or other dental issues because bacteria settle in the cracks. Instead, chew on something like carrots or an apple, which actually help clean your teeth’s surface.
2. Drinking Sodas or Juices :
There are people who are so addicted to sodas they can’t go a day without at least two. Yet, drinking a high quantity of them or other sugary, acidic beverages like juice or sports drinks is dangerous for your teeth. The acid will erode your tooth enamel, and the sugar creates bacteria, so your teeth will be more susceptible to decay. Make sure to drink these in moderation and always brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after sipping them.
3. Teeth Tools :
If you use your teeth to open a snack bag, pop open a bottle, rip some thread or take a tag off new clothing, stop now. Using your teeth as a handy tool can cause teeth trauma and result in breaks or chip your teeth. Teeth are made to handle vertical forces, but not lateral. If it is done constantly, you can develop an unsightly groove in your tooth. Instead, take the extra minute to find the proper tool for the job.
4. Oops, Forgot to Floss:
If you brush twice a day, but only floss every once in awhile than your teeth are not sufficiently clean. Flossing removes food debris and plaque in the hard to reach areas. If the debris remains, it can result in tooth decay, and plaque can harden into tartar. Try to get in the habit of flossing, and once you do you will wonder how you ever did without it.
5. Scrubbing Your Teeth :
If you brush your teeth intensely, it doesn’t mean they are getting cleaner. Scrubbing your teeth like stubborn, stuck on stains will cause more harm than good. Hard brushing can result in tooth trauma and gum line recession. Be gentle and brush in small, circles for two minutes, which will clean your teeth thoroughly.
Contact Lakeway Center for Cosmetic and General Dentistry to learn more about how we can help you get out of bad dental habits and into good dental hygiene.