A Big List of Little Habits That Can Damage Teeth

Even if you brush twice a day and floss religiously, there could be tiny, seemingly harmless things that are damaging your mouth and teeth.

To avoid fractures, chips, cracks, wearing down enamel and gums, and weakening tooth structure, steer clear of:

• Chewing ice cubes
• Crunching hard candies or other hard food
• Sucking on candies, lozenges, and other hard foods
• Sipping sugary or acidic beverages throughout the day
• Using your teeth as a tool (i.e. prying open packaging, ripping tags off clothes, etc.)
• Grinding teeth at night
• Biting nails
• Clenching the jaw during the day
• Brushing teeth too hard or using a toothbrush with too-hard bristles
• Piercing your tongue, lips or cheeks
• Playing sports without a mouth guard
• Overusing teeth-whitening products
• Brushing teeth immediately after eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages
• Drinking only bottled water, which does not contain fluoride as tap water does. If you drink only bottled water, make sure to use mouthwash or toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Smoking or using tobacco products.

If you’re guilty of these, please stop now! With mindfulness and a little willpower, we’re confident you can cut out bad habits for a healthy, beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

Sources:

• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/18/nail-biting-bad-for-you_n_5675467.html
• http://www.dentalassociates.com/pediatric-dentistry/importance-baby-teeth/