Almost everyone knows about the things you should do in order to maintain good oral health: brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and going to your dental cleanings every six months. But are there seemingly innocent habits that harm your teeth that you’re just not aware of?
Unfortunately, yes, there are indeed seemingly innocent habits you may have picked up in your day to day life that you think are perfectly fine but that are actually harmful for your dental health. Here’s what you need to know about some seemingly innocent habits that harm your teeth.
#1. Biting Your Nails
Many people tend to bite their nails, either from anxiety and stress or because they feel like their nails are getting too long and they don’t care to get nail clippers. Nail biting is a tough habit to break, especially if you bite your nails due to anxiety or stress, as you may not even realize you’re doing it until you’ve already started.
However, biting your nails on a regular basis can harm your teeth. Your nails are tough, after all. People who bite their nails a lot may find themselves with chipped teeth and jaw dysfunction. The more you bite your nails, the higher your risk of enamel damage, which can lead to tooth decay.
For some people, using nail polish can help deter nail biting. For others, it can encourage it, as they scrape the polish off with their teeth. If you struggle with kicking your nail biting habit, your doctor or your dentist can provide you with personalized suggestions.
#2. Using Your Teeth To Open Things
Why get a knife or scissors when you can just tear a package open with your teeth, right? Your teeth are strong enough to chew food down to digestible bits, after all. Doesn’t it stand to reason that you can use them as tools?
This is another seemingly innocent habit that harms your teeth. While it may seem like an unnecessarily hassle to go hunt down some scissors when you could just use your teeth to open something or bite off that price tag, it’s worth the effort.
When you use your teeth as tools, this puts you at risk of chipping or cracking your teeth. This is because it puts unnecessary strain on your teeth. To avoid damaging your teeth, find some scissors or a knife to remove that price tag or open that package.
#3. Overbrushing/Brushing Too Hard
Given that brushing your teeth is a good thing, it makes sense how you may think that the more or the harder you brush your teeth, the better. While this habit may be well-intentioned, it can actually end up hurting your teeth.
In general, you want to brush your teeth in circular motions for about two minutes, twice a day. If you brush your teeth too vigorously, this can irritate your gums, and lead to gum disease. It can also wear down your enamel, leading to irreversible enamel loss and tooth decay.
If you have any questions about how to properly brush your teeth, your dentist will be able to address your specific questions and provide you with advice.
#4. Grinding Your Teeth
Some people grind their teeth subconsciously, while others end up grinding their teeth while dealing with anger, frustration, or other negative emotions. Grinding your teeth can end up wearing down your tooth enamel, which can result in chipping, cracking, and decay. It can result in serious health issues, such as TMJ disorder.
If you usually grind your teeth during the day, it’s easier to realize that you’re doing it and to make a conscious effort to stop by relaxing your jaw. However, if you’re someone who grinds their teeth at night and you only realize you’re doing it because your jaw hurts in the morning, you’ll want to talk to your dentist.
A mouthguard can help to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding while you sleep. While it may take a bit of getting used to, it’s worth it, in order to protect your teeth and keep them in good condition. While implants and crowns and the like exist, nothing beats your natural teeth.
Do You Want To Know If Your Seemingly Innocent Habits Harm Your Teeth?
Avenues Dental is here to help! When you schedule your dental appointment, we can address any concerns you may have, such as daily habits that could be hurting your teeth. Contact us today!
