Bad Habits to Break for Healthier Teeth

While we focus on good oral care habits most of the time, it's also important to know the damaging effects bad habits can have on your teeth. If you are looking for ways to improve the overall health of your teeth, this is a great blog for you to read! You may know some of these habits can cause damage to your teeth, but others may be news to you. As your trusted dentist near Springfield, MO, we've dedicated this week's blog to focus on bad habits you should work on breaking right away.

Nail Biting

Biting nails is an easy way to invite bacteria into your mouth. Aside from unnecessary amounts of bacteria, biting your nails can also damage your tooth. Chipping teeth and negative impacts on your jaw muscles and bones are caused by this bad habit. To avoid further tooth damage, work to find a way to relieve the urge to bite your nails.

Chewing Ice

Any hard substance chewed between your teeth can cause damage, ice included. It can put pressure and end up chipping the tooth surface or fillings you may have. To avoid this habit, consider drinking chilled drinks without ice or use a straw when drinking a glass filled with ice.

Consuming Sugary Drinks

Soda and other sugar-filled drinks can cause unnecessary damage to your tooth's surface. Bacteria thrives when sugar is found in the mouth. This can lead to the decay of your tooth's protective layer, enamel. Cavities come along after the enamel covering has been damaged and this can cause tooth decay and other oral issues. Swap out your sugar-filled drinks for a refreshing glass of water.

Grinding Teeth

Many people will grind their teeth as a nervous habit or while they sleep. If you do this. it's can cause surface damage to your teeth. Chipping or cracking of your tooth surface is another side effect of teeth grinding. Try to relax in other ways to avoid tooth grinding.

Use Teeth as a Tool

Teeth are made for eating, not a tool. Avoid opening items with your teeth. Whether you're ripping open a package or bending something, your teeth are not to be used. A tooth breaking or chipping is often a side effect of using your teeth for an unintended purpose. To avoid this bad habit, make it a point to not use your teeth as a tool and take the time to find the proper item to accomplish your task.

Now that you know more about these habits that are bad for your teeth, you can work to improve your oral health. While we've talked about bad habits above, it's important to replace these kinds of habits with ones that are good for your mouth. Strive to brush your teeth twice every day and floss once a day. It can also be helpful to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Eating a well-balanced diet is another way to improve your oral health. Lastly, a regular dental check up is important to regulate your mouth. Give Access Dental and Dentures a call today to schedule your next appointment!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile!

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