There are more unhealthy habits for teeth than not flossing and not brushing. It’s all too simple to develop bad habits that harm our tooth health. There are several practices that are best avoided in order to safeguard your teeth and gums, whether the outcome is unintentional tooth harm or continuing oral health issues. In this article, we have gathered seven bad habits that can affect your teeth and gums.
1. Smoking
In addition to harming your overall health, using tobacco products increases your chance of developing a number of dental issues. Smoking can promote gum and periodontal disease, discolor teeth, and possibly hasten the loss of teeth. Because less saliva is produced, there is a higher chance of tooth decay and foul breath (induced by toxic bacteria and food rot). It should go without saying that tobacco smoking is the main factor in the majority of mouth cancer cases.
2. Drinking alcohol
Alcohol beverages dry out the mouth, making it difficult for saliva to wipe away bacteria, resulting in foul breath, and increasing your chance of getting cavities in your teeth. Alcohol is also acidic, which causes the enamel to erode. Limit your alcohol consumption to no more than one drink for women and two for men each day, or choose carbonated sparkling water.
3. Constant snacking
Cavities are more likely to develop if you constantly eat, especially sugary foods and beverages. When you eat, bacteria that cause cavities feast on leftover food, creating an acid that damages the enamel on your teeth. Eat healthy meals to stay satisfied longer. Make sure the snack you need is minimal in fat and sugar. If you like a sweet treat every now and then, drink it down with a large glass of water to wash away any leftovers.
4. Aggressive tooth brushing
Indeed, it is possible to clean your teeth too much. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), using a toothbrush with a rough bristle or brushing too forcefully might harm your gums and teeth. The most common outcomes of aggressive tooth brushing are enamel erosion and gum recession. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently clean your teeth in wide strokes to prevent this.
5. Nail-biting
Most parents have at some time advised their children to stop biting their nails. This is because you probably take up a lot of bacteria from everything you touch during the course of the day. Placing your fingers on a minor wound within your mouth runs the risk of infecting it and making you sick. Therefore, try to avoid biting your nails as much as you can for the benefit of your dental health.
6. Gnawing ice cubes
Some people believe that ice is just as healthy as water. It doesn’t contain sugar and hydrates you, so it must be safe. However, chewing down on solid, frozen ice cubes can damage your teeth, sometimes even cracking them. Ice cubes can irritate the sensitive tissues inside your teeth if you nibble on them frequently, which may cause frequent toothaches. Foods with a high or low temperature can frequently cause a sudden, severe toothache.
7. Using your teeth as a tool
You shouldn’t use your teeth as extra hands when your hands are full or as knives or scissors. You run the danger of chipping or breaking your teeth if you often use them to pull clothes tags off, open items, or hold mail or keys as you enter the house. Due to the power of the ripping or strain on the teeth, you also run the danger of hurting your jaw.
