Bad Habits That Are Harming Your Teeth

We all know that good oral hygiene is important, but some of our everyday habits may be causing more harm than we think. From biting your nails to twiddling your thumbs, these bad habits can damage your teeth and gums.

Nail biting chips and damages your teeth, exposing them to bacteria under the nails and promoting jaw dysfunction and misalignment. It also increases the risk of recurring infections.

Chewing on Hard Objects

Chewing on hard objects is more than just a bad habit — it can lead to serious dental problems. For example, if you’re chewing on an ice cube, this can lead to cracked or chipped teeth and could even cause an infection in your gums. The problem is that ice is too hard for your enamel, and it’s also cold which can make your teeth crack. Besides, if you’re eating ice regularly it will disrupt the normal flow of saliva which can cause tooth decay and other oral health issues.

Many kids pick up the habit of chewing on things other than food for a variety of reasons. It may be a way to relieve stress or anxiety, especially during certain situations or times of day, like when it’s time to go to school or do homework. It could also be a nervous tick or a result of boredom.

If you think your child is chewing on non-food items due to anxiety, talk to your healthcare provider about ways to help them overcome their fears. The good news is that chewing on other things can be a great way to relieve stress and tension, so try using a chewable toy or a piece of gum. However, if you find that your child’s chewing is due to pica, an extreme desire for inedible materials (like paper, clay, sand, or rocks), get them medical attention immediately.

Snacking All Day

Many people eat snacks throughout the day to refuel their bodies and hold them over until their next meal. However, snacking too frequently can actually harm your teeth more than you think. Snacking on sugary and starchy foods constantly exposes your teeth to acid attacks that can damage tooth enamel, causing cavities.

Inside our mouths live hundreds of types of bacteria, both good and bad. The bad bacteria break down sugars in food and drink, producing acids that can eat away at the enamel of our teeth. This constant exposure to acid can lead to tooth decay, which requires a dental professional to treat. The best way to combat this problem is to limit your snacking throughout the day, especially on sugary or sticky foods.

When you do need to snack, choose healthy options that are low in sugar like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy, and lean meats. You should also hydrate by drinking water, as this encourages saliva production to wash away bacteria and food particles.

By limiting your snacking, choosing healthier food options, and rinsing after eating, you can help reduce the risk of damaging your smile and keep it in its best shape. Just be sure to brush and floss your teeth after each meal or snack, and schedule your regular dental cleanings and exams! Taking these easy steps can protect your smile from tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems.

Chewing on Pencils or Eyeglasses

Many people chew on the tip of a pencil or eyeglasses to keep them occupied while working. This habit puts a lot of pressure on your teeth, which can cause them to crack or shift. It also exposes your teeth to bacteria that could lead to infection. Instead of chewing on these objects, try eating sugar-free gum or veggies to keep your mouth busy.

Another common bad habit that can harm your teeth is gnawing on ice cubes. The cold and hard nature of ice makes it difficult for your teeth to chew, which can result in chips or cracks. This can also damage fillings and dental restorations, like crowns. Instead, drink your cold drinks without ice or use straws to help prevent this harmful habit.

Biting your nails is a nervous habit that can chip or break your teeth and also expose your teeth to the bacteria under your nails. This can also lead to clenching your jaw, which can cause jaw dysfunction. If you’re having trouble quitting this habit, trying biting on a fingernail-shaped object or using bitter nail polish to taste the unpleasant flavor can help stop this bad habit.

Nail biting can be hard to kick, but it’s important to do so to avoid chips or breaks in your teeth. If you can’t quit by yourself, a dentist can help you find some ways to reduce stress that may be causing you to bite your nails. You can find a Noblesville dentist here!

Grinding Your Teeth

If you wake up with a headache or sore jaw, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth overnight. This is a condition known as bruxism, and it can cause a lot of problems for your mouth over time. It can wear down your enamel, which can make your teeth more sensitive and increase the risk of tooth decay. It can also damage or break dental work and previous orthodontia. It can even lead to loosening or loss of your teeth, which can require expensive and lengthy treatment.

Bruxism is often caused by stress and anxiety, but it can also be the result of an abnormal bite, sleep disorders or medication like antidepressants that increase the likelihood of this side effect. Many people don’t even realize they grind their teeth, since it usually happens while they are asleep.

Thumb sucking is considered a normal behavior in kids until they are three, but if you continue it after that, it can lead to permanent changes in the structure of your teeth and jaw. It can also cause headaches and jaw tenderness, as well as affect the development of adult teeth. If you have this habit, try to wean off of it, or ask your dentist about a mouth guard, therapeutic Botox or stress-reducing exercises. It is possible to break these habits, but it takes commitment and dedication. It is worth it for your dental health!

Smoking

Smoking is a dangerous habit that harms the body in many ways. The chemicals in cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco are toxins and carcinogens that contribute to serious health problems including oral cancer and tooth loss. In addition, smoking restricts saliva flow, which can lead to plaque and tartar buildup.

While everyone knows that smoking and tobacco use stains teeth, many people don’t realize the extent of the damage they cause. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes discolor teeth to a yellow color that can be difficult to remove from deep stains. The reduced saliva flow also leads to dry mouth, which can increase the risk for tooth decay and gum disease.

Other problems smoking can cause include gum (periodontal) disease and a weakened immune system, which can make it harder for patients to fight infections like gingivitis or periodontitis. Gum disease can cause the gum tissue to recede from the roots of the teeth, exposing the roots to bacteria and causing the bone that holds the teeth in place to break down, which can result in tooth loss.

In addition, regular smoking raises the risk of mouth cancer, which is when tumors develop on the tongue, lips, cheeks, roof of the mouth, or gums. If diagnosed and treated early, mouth cancer is generally curable. Smoking also increases the chances of developing leukoplakia, which are white patches in the mouth that can be a sign of cancer.

Brushing Too Hard

While it’s commonly known that candy rots teeth and sugary sodas cause cavities, not many people realize some of the other foods, drinks and habits they partake in can harm their smile. From nail biting to sipping on seltzer all day, these common activities can wreak havoc on your pearly whites and leave you with cracked or chipped teeth.

Aside from the fact that this nervous habit can chip or crack teeth and lead to jaw dysfunction, biting your nails exposes your gums to bacteria that are trapped under your nail beds. To help break this unhealthy habit, try painting your nails with bitter-tasting polish or practicing stress management techniques.

Snacking on fruit, nuts, veggies and cheese can provide your body with nutrients that are essential for good health. However, if you’re always snacking on these foods, the food particles can stick to your teeth and lead to decay and gum disease, so it’s important to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth after every meal or snack.

Drinking seltzer and other carbonated beverages can be bad for your teeth, even if they are labeled as “sugar-free.” This is because most sodas are very acidic and can corrode the enamel of your teeth, says Elisa Mello, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in New York City. She suggests drinking water instead of soda and limiting the number of times per day you consume these carbonated drinks.