Oral health is an essential part of your overall health. It is often said that your mouth is like a window into your body, and poor oral health can lead to various health problems.
While most people are aware of the obvious culprits that cause tooth decay and gum disease, such as sugary foods and poor brushing habits, there are also some lesser-known things that can damage your teeth and gums without you realizing it. In this article, we will look at some of the little things that ruin your teeth.
1. Biting your nails
Onychophagia is a bad habit where people bite their nails. This habit can cause damage to your teeth, as well as your nails and fingers. When you bite your nails, you put pressure on your front teeth, which can lead to cracks, chips, or misalignment.
Additionally, the germs and bacteria that live under your nails can be transferred to your mouth, which can lead to oral infections or bad breath.
2. Using your teeth as tools
Do you use your teeth to open a bottle cap or tear off a price tag? If so, you are putting your teeth at risk of breaking, chipping, or cracking.
Your teeth are designed to chew food, and using them as tools can cause damage that may require expensive dental treatment.
3. Consuming acidic beverages
Acidic drinks, such as soda, sports drinks, and citrus juices, can erode the enamel on your teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.
If you can’t give up these beverages, try to drink them through a straw, and rinse your mouth with water afterward to neutralize the acid.
4. Brushing too hard
Brushing your teeth is essential for keeping your teeth clean and healthy. However, if you brush too hard, you can damage your enamel and gums. Brushing with too much pressure can wear down the enamel and expose the sensitive dentin underneath.
It can also cause your gums to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth and making them more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.
5. Grinding your teeth
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can cause headaches, jaw pain, and wear down your teeth. When you grind your teeth, you put excessive pressure on them, which can cause cracks, chips, and fractures.
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Over time, grinding can wear down the enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. If you think you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a nightguard or other treatment options.
6. Using tobacco products
Tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco, can cause bad breath, staining, and serious health problems, including gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
If you use tobacco products, quitting is the best thing you can do for your oral and overall health.
7. Chewing on ice or hard candies
Crunching on ice or hard candies may seem harmless, but it can cause serious damage to your teeth. Chewing on hard objects can chip or break your teeth, damage fillings and other dental work, and cause jaw pain.
Instead of chewing on ice or hard candies, try sucking on sugar-free mints or snacks that are easier on your teeth.
8. Drinking coffee and tea
Coffee and tea are two of the most popular beverages in the world, but they can cause staining on your teeth. The dark pigments in these drinks can cling to your enamel, especially if you drink them regularly or don’t rinse your mouth afterward.
If you can’t give up your morning cup of joe, try adding a splash of milk to lighten the color, or drink it through a straw.
9. Skipping regular dental checkups
Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health. During a checkup, your dentist can detect any problems early, before they become more serious and expensive to treat.
Dentists can also clean your teeth and remove any plaque or tartar buildup that can cause decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
10. Neglecting to floss
Flossing is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. Brushing alone cannot remove all the food particles and bacteria that can get trapped between your teeth and gums.
Flossing removes these particles and helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. If you find flossing difficult or uncomfortable, talk to your dentist about other interdental cleaning tools, such as water flossers or interdental brushes.
