Do You Have One of These 5 Bad Teeth Habits?

Are your little habits doing big harm to your teeth? You could be unknowingly damaging your smile, says your dentist in Valparaiso. Learn about the top five habits causing dental injuries, and how you can stop them today!

Habit 1: Nail Biting and Pen Chewing

These are common reactions to boredom, stress, or anxiety. But if you put something between your teeth every time you’re out of your comfort zone, your teeth are at great risk for chips, cracks, and breaks. What’s even worse? People who bite their nails and chew on foreign objects are also more likely to grind their teeth at night.

Try taking note of when you’re likely to bite and swap the habit for a different one — like popping a rubber band around your wrist.

Habit 2: Opening Things With Your Teeth

Scissors are never there when you need them to be. If you want to protect the strength and beauty of your smile, though, you should always take the time to find scissors, a utility knife, or whatever will do the job safely. Using teeth as tools is one of the most frequent causes of dental injuries and emergencies, like broken or cracked teeth.

Instead, give the organization a try — place the scissors, utility knives, and other tools in one convenient place… And then keep them there.

Habit 3: Aggressive Brushing

It may feel like hard brushing gets your teeth extra-clean, but these aggressive, back-and-forth strokes are actually what’s making your gums recede, or pull back away from the teeth. Aside from being unsightly, gum recession leads to tooth sensitivity, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

Remember the key to good dental care in Valparaiso. When it comes to cleaning your teeth and gums, gentle is always best. Brush with a soft-bristled brush using gentle, circular motions. Your mouth will thank you for it.

Habit 4: Chewing on Ice

It’s true that ice is just water, and there’s no sugar to damage your teeth — but if you frequently chew on ice, you’re making your teeth highly vulnerable to chips and breaks. What’s more, cold ice can cause sharp pain for sensitive teeth.

Skip the ice and pop a piece of sugar-free gum in your mouth, instead. Chewing gum stimulates saliva flow for fresher breath and a cleaner mouth, and the xylitol in sugar-free gum actually protects your teeth from cavities.

Habit 5: Skipping the Mouthguard

Athletes of all ages (and all levels of play) should protect their teeth with a mouthguard. Contact sports like football, basketball, and hockey can cause real problems for the smile — but the impact of non-contact sports like gymnastics and tennis can cause chips and breaks, too. Invest in a mouthguard to protect your smile on the court, field, and track.

Do you have questions for your family dentist at Smiles of Valparaiso? If so, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist’s office in Valparaiso. Request your appointment to discuss your dental and oral health today!