Bad Habits for Tooth Health

We all have our bad habits. Some of us chew on our finger nails while others like to eat junk food. But have you ever taken a moment to think about how some of these habits could be hurting your teeth? If not, it may be time to try and kick the habit in favor of keeping that healthy and happy smile. We’ve put together a short list of personal habits that could be putting your teeth at risk and some helpful tips that could make those habit a thing of the past.

 

ICE! – You probably already know that sipping on sugary drinks like juice and soda throughout the day is a bad habit. The constant exposure to sweet and acidic beverages can often foster tooth decay. But just as bad for your teeth could be crunching on any leftover ice in your glass. The brittleness and cold temperature of ice cubes can actually cause teeth to fracture, causing microscopic cracks in the surface of the enamel, which could lead to bigger dental problems over time. Crushed ice is considered less harmful than bigger cubes, but most dentists will still advise against this habit. How to break the habit: If you’re craving something crunchy to chew on in place of your ice, try finding a healthy snack alternative like almonds or baby carrots. As for those sugary drinks, sip soda or juice through a straw to minimize the exposure to your teeth.

Using Teeth as Tools – According to dentists, patients often rely on their teeth for a number of odd jobs. From tearing open a bag of potato chips to chewing on finger nails. This can be hard on your teeth, traumatizing them or causing the edge of a weakened tooth to chip off or even fracture. How to break the habit: Think about what you’re putting in your mouth before you use your teeth as tools. And keep simple real tools such as a scissors and pliers handy to do the dirty work and let you maintain good dental health.

Grinding Your Teeth – Some people grind their teeth when they sleep at night, some during the day. While grinding teeth can be caused by stress and anxiety, it is often most likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. Grinding your teeth can wear your teeth down and cause irreversible damage that is linked to sensitivity and cracks. But it can be hard to control a habit if you’re asleep while it’s happening. How to break the habit: Your dentist may suggest wearing a mouth guard for teeth grinding at night. Custom models made by your dentist may cost a little more than over-the-counter ones, but they generally fit better and work better, too. You may also try cutting back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine, reduce or avoid alcohol consumption and don’t chew on pencils or anything else that isn’t food.

Playing Sports without a Mouth Guard – Always wear a mouth guard when playing sports where there is any chance of your mouth and jaw being hit. This can include hockey, football, baseball, soccer, martial arts and basketball. While a mouth guard may seem like an inconvenience and you may think you don’t need one, it protects your teeth. Without it, teeth can be chipped or even knocked out. This can lead to long-term oral health problems and as well as a considerable amount of pain. How to break the habit: Pick up a self-fitting mouth guard from your local sports store or get your dentist to create you a custom-made one. Keep it on hand and don’t get in the game without it. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Need a custom mouth guard made to help keep your teeth safe from night time grinding or that next potential sporting accident? Call Bellingham Dental Group today! (360)734-6190