Even though your teeth are strong, certain habits can wear them down and increase the risk of chips, cracks and decay. It is important to be aware of these habits and put an end to them before you do any serious damage. Here are six habits that can damage your teeth:
- Crunching on Ice. Not matter how harmless it may seem, you should never use your pearly whites to crunch on leftover ice cubes. These ice cubes are very hard, so they can wear down the enamel of your teeth.
- Biting Your Nails. If you have a nail biting habit, you may want to quit for the sake of your teeth. This habit does not just make your nails look ragged; it also can cause damage to your teeth. Your nails are pretty hard, so biting down on them can cause your teeth to chip.
- Tearing Off Clothing Tags With Your Teeth. When you have to remove a clothing tag and the scissors are nowhere to be found, you might think it is harmless to tear off the tag with your teeth. Do not make this mistake. Removing clothing tags with your teeth can cause cracks and damage dental work.
- Grinding Your Teeth. Whether it is the result of stress or drinking alcohol before bedtime, teeth grinding is something you should get under control right now. This habit is quite rough on your teeth and can cause wear and tear. Ask your dentist if wearing a mouth guard at night is the best option.
- Eating A Lot of Sugary Treats. Having a doughnut or cupcake is alright every once in a while, but you should not snack on sugary treats every day. Sugar can linger on your pearly whites for a while and attract bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities. Eat a piece of fruit if you crave something sweet.
- Using the Same Piece of Floss. Flossing on a regular basis is beneficial for teeth and gums, but you could be doing it all wrong. If you, for example, use the same piece of floss between all your teeth, you will just spread plaque and bacteria. You should use a new section of floss between each pair of teeth.
Now you can see that there's quite a few habits that can cause harm to your teeth. If you avoid the above habits, your teeth will be in much better shape. Contact a dentist for more information.
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