Break bad habits that harm your teeth
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Do you want to keep your teeth strong and healthy for as long as possible? Make sure you haven’t picked up the following seven bad habits. If you have, try to break them right away.
1. Crunching ice cubes. It may seem harmless, but chewing on ice can severely damage your teeth, leading to cracks and breakage. Letting the ice melt in your mouth is better than risking injury.
2. Clenching or grinding your teeth. Often linked to stress, grinding and clenching your teeth can wear down your enamel. Try relaxation techniques like breathing exercises or meditation. If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard.
3. Using your teeth as tools. Avoid using your teeth to open bottles, tear packaging or cut wires, as these activities can cause serious damage. Always use the appropriate tools.
4. Biting your nails. This habit can put a lot of pressure on your teeth, creating microtraumas that can lead to fractures over time.
5. Eating hard foods. Biting into nuts, crusty bread, unpopped popcorn kernels or hard candies can weaken and crack your teeth.
6. Having mouth piercings. Although quite popular, tongue and lip piercings can damage your enamel and cause fractures. Consult your dentist before getting an oral piercing.
7. Chewing on objects. Absentminded chewing on a hard object — even if only occasionally — can put excessive pressure on your teeth, causing damage. Rather than nibbling on that pen to ease your stress, consider chewing gum instead.
Stop these bad habits to prevent many dental problems. Talk to your dentist or hygienist for personalized advice.
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