You may think you are doing the right thing
when it comes to your teeth and gums, but according to the American Dental
Association, some of your oral habits may not be as healthy as you think.
Ice
Chewing on ice is a bad habit, and one that
makes your dentist cringe. You may be saying it’s only water, but once it
freezes, you could be setting yourself up for chips, cracks or even a broken
tooth. Chewing on ice can also cause gum damage. Your blender has a special
blade just for ice. You can only imagine what ice does to your teeth. Keep the
ice in your glass and your dentist will be happy.
The Wrong Toothbrush
If you use a brush that is too hard it will
cause gum recession and abrasion to the roots of your teeth. Your dentist recommends that you use a multi-tufted
soft bristled toothbrush to avoid gum damage.
Brushing with Too Much Force or Too
Frequently
Even if you are using a multi-tufted soft
bristled toothbrush, you could still damage your teeth and irritate your gums
if you use too much force. A gentle whisking action is really all you need to
break up the plaque on the surface of your teeth. Brushing too often could also
be damaging your teeth. Morning and night is sufficient as too much brushing,
especially right after you eat, could cause enamel erosion.
Nail and Pencil Biting
Chewing on anything other than food will
cause damage to your teeth and gums. Nail and pencil biting are nervous habits
that could cause chips or breaks.
Grinding and Clenching
Known as bruxism, tooth clenching and grinding
exerts excessive pressure on your teeth causing them to wear over time. Most
people brux at night while sleeping, but clenching and grinding can occur
during the day because of stress. If you are a clencher or grinder, call and
schedule an appointment with your dentist for a custom fitted mouthguard that
may help you stop bruxing.
If you would like more information regarding
healthy habits for teeth and gums, call or click and schedule an appointment with
your dentist today.
