When it comes to proper care of our teeth, most of us are aware of how to keep them clean and healthy. However, there are a number of hazardous habits that take a toll on your teeth, and you probably aren’t familiar with many of them. This means that brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits aren’t the only factors in maintaining a beautiful smile.
In addition to brushing and flossing regularly, patients are advised to avoid habits like nail biting, as it can cause a variety of dental problems. Other habits, such as grinding teeth, continually wears them down and increases your risk of fracturing and losing teeth. Simply put, teeth are delicate and require constant care to stay clean and strong.
The Harmful Habits
Like we said, nail biting and teeth grinding are two habits that can cause damage to your teeth. Unfortunately, much of the damage caused by these habits, and the ones to follow, cannot be reversed by brushing and flossing. In most cases, the harm your teeth endure must be treated by your dentist. Fortunately though, Dr. Vernon and Reason To Smile Dental care about you and the health of your teeth, so we’ve comprised a list of hazardous habits to avoid. Take a look at the list below and consider kicking any of the habits you may have in common:
- Using cough drops – Though this can be treated with brushing and flossing, sucking on cough drops continually exposes your teeth to sugars that work with plaque to create enamel-eating bacteria.
- Using teeth as scissors – We’ve all done it before. Opening plastic packaging or tearing off tags often results in chipped or even cracked teeth. Take care of your teeth and use scissors.
- Chewing on pens – Much like using your teeth a scissors, chewing on pens and pencils can also chip teeth. Sugar free gum is a great alternative for pencil chewers.
- Smoking and Using Tobacco Products – Cigarettes and other tobacco products can stain your teeth can even lead to gum disease, which can result in losing your teeth. Protecting your smile is just another reason to quit.
- Tongue Piercings – While it may not exactly be a habit, tongue (and lip) piercings can damage tooth enamel, as well as cause your gums to recede. This can even result in tooth loss.
Let Reason To Smile Help
With all of this information, you can see how these habits can be so harmful to not just your teeth, but to your gums as well. Many of these habits are easy to kick, and doing so presents plenty of benefits to you and your oral health.
If your teeth have been damaged by any of these hazardous habits, be sure to contact Reason To Smile so we can fix those cracked or chipped teeth. We offer a number of emergency dental services and are always happy to help!
