Most of us are aware of our daily habits that affect our dental health. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are essential to keep our teeth healthy. However, some habits can affect our long-term dental health. For example, using our teeth for other things such as chewing gum and candies is bad for our teeth. Sugary treats can lead to tooth decay, and chewy candies tend to stay on the teeth for hours. In addition, these habits increase the risk of cavities.
Another habit that can cause tooth decay is nail biting. People who bite their nails will end up with chipped teeth. They will also be exposing the bacteria underneath their nails. You can stop this habit by wearing bitter nail polish on your nails. In addition, you can learn some stress management techniques that can help you overcome nail-biting. If you are constantly nervous, try using bitter-tasting nail polish.
Tobacco use is another habit that can cause cavities. While consuming tobacco products can cause problems, they are a significant contributor to tooth decay. Tobacco products can cause staining, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, if you smoke, tobacco can cause cancer in the mouth. Chewing tobacco can damage every area of your mouth, so it’s best to use sugar-free gum.
Sugary drinks can also cause tooth decay. If you don’t want to have cavities, try to avoid soda altogether. Instead, replace soda with crushed ice, drink more water and eat healthier snacks instead. Drinking sodas through a straw is also a good habit. Make sure you keep it in the back of your mouth and not against your teeth. If you have to have a drink, try drinking water afterwards.
Another habit that can lead to tooth pain is grinding teeth. Grinding your teeth causes the enamel on the back of your teeth to wear down and chip. If you do this habit for extended periods of time, your teeth will lose their enamel faster than normal. While it’s difficult to stop, there’s a solution for this issue. A visit to your general dentist will improve your overall dental health. But before making this decision, it’s a good idea to start fresh with good dental care.
Ice cubes and chewing on ice can also damage teeth. Ice can cause microcracks in enamel, which can lead to bigger problems over time. Crushed ice is less harmful than larger ice cubes. Popcorn kernels and pits from fruit also cause stress on the teeth. Therefore, avoid chewing ice and other cold and hot foods to improve your dental health. It’s best to switch to sugar-free gum.
Drinking excess coffee and red wine is another bad habit for dental health. Drinking too much coffee can cause teeth to stain. Sugar and coffee can also increase your tooth decay risk. Drinking water regularly will help reduce the likelihood of cavities. While it may be tempting to indulge in some of these activities, they’re terrible habits for your teeth. A healthy diet includes drinking plenty of water and plenty of it. You’ll be surprised at how many bad habits you can change to improve your dental health.
More Stories
5 Foods For Dental Health
What You Should Know About Bypass Surgery
Preventing Burnout in Healthcare Professionals