We all have habits – both good and bad – although we have to recognize the ones that are harmful to our health. Some habits are especially bad for teeth, and avoiding the following will prevent you from ruining your teeth:
Biting Items That Are Not Food
Teeth are sharp but are not meant to chew on pens or tear open plastic packaging. They are not designed to bite fingernails or chew on ice either, and this habit can lead to tooth loss and gingivitis. Tooth tips are weak and thin and prone to breaking. The only thing your teeth should chew on is food, and you should never bite non-food items.
Brushing Your Teeth Too Aggressively
Brushing regularly is a must if you want to keep your teeth healthy. Brushing too vigorously, however, can wear down your tooth’s protective enamel and cause cavities and tooth decay.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply gentle strokes. If you use an electric toothbrush, glide your brush gently over your teeth. You should also be careful when flossing, as doing this too aggressively can damage your gums.
Clenching or Grinding
This can result in chipped and cracked teeth and can cause significant enamel erosion. You must speak with your dentist about this habit, as it can negatively impact your smile.
Clenching and grinding can be the result of anxiety, frustration, tension, anger and stress, and your dentist will recommend the right treatment and perhaps a mouth guard to prevent additional damage.
Smoking
This is one habit most people know is harmful to their health, yet they have a hard time quitting. Smoking can not only cause respiratory disease and oral cancer, but it can also increase bacteria and plaque and be detrimental to your teeth. You may also experience gum disease and tooth loss, along with bad breath and tooth discolouration.
Brushing Too Fast
Not only do you have to brush property, but you also have to do it for the right amount of time. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for two full minutes twice a day. This will ensure plaque is removed, and the fluoride will be able to do its job.
Avoiding Your Dentist
Professional cleanings are a must, even if you brush and floss every day. Dentists will monitor the health of your mouth and will clean your teeth with the right tools. They can also detect dental problems while they are still minor and will address cavities or small cracks before they become more serious.
Conclusion
Do you have bad habits that are harming your teeth? It may be time to discuss this information with a dentist. Slipacoff Dental can provide you with dental solutions to help restore your smile. Teeth implants may be a great idea, and we will make recommendations based on your dental conditions and concerns.
We may recommend dental implants if we feel that would be based on your smile and will discuss the benefits teeth implants offer. We have been serving the Sarnia community for years and will do everything we can to help improve the appearance of your smile.
Contact us today to make an appointment with your Sarnia Dentist!