Sneaky Bad Habits That Can Negatively Affect Dental Health
There is a certain trifecta for healthy teeth – brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular check-ups with the dentist. When following these rules, you are sure to have healthy teeth and gums. Sometimes, we can forget that there are other bad habits that can sneak in and have a negative effect on our dental health. Keep reading to find out how to improve your overall dental health and if you have any of these bad habits.
What Not To Do
Here are some habits that most of us are guilty of at some point but should avoided:
- Using your teeth as a tool – Your teeth are there to help you eat and speak. They are not there to be used to open bottles, packaging, or cut tags. When in a rush, it is tempting to try and use your teeth to do these things, but it is best to take the time to use a scissor, bottle opener, or pliers. It is important to remember that doing these actions can cause teeth to chip or crack, which could potentially damage the look and functionality of your teeth.
- Biting Your Nails – Your fingernails are softer than your teeth, but you still shouldn’t bite them. It takes a surprising amount of force for your teeth to bite through your fingernails. Over time, this can cause your teeth to shift and become misaligned. The sharp edges of jagged nails can cause cuts to your gum tissue, which can become infected.
- Chewing ice or other hard foods – Your teeth are incredibly strong. The enamel, or shiny white exterior, of your teeth is the hardest substance in the human body, but that doesn’t mean your teeth are invincible. Chomping down on ice or hard foods such as nuts and popcorn kernels can lead to chips, cracks, and even complete tooth fractures.
These seemingly harmless activities can lead to greater problems for the longevity of your dental health. At Integrity Dental, we help our patients in the Wellington, FL area achieve and maintain optimal dental health. Please call our office to schedule an appointment or consultation to see how we can help you with your dental needs.