We all have bad habits, no matter how trivial. Sometimes our habits are simply annoying to others, but other times they have a negative impact on our health. When it comes to your teeth, some seemingly small things you do every day may be damaging your dental health. Take a look at the list below for any behaviours you might be guilty of. After all, being aware of a problem is the first step towards correcting it. Chewing Non-Food Objects
This is one of the most common bad habits that damage your teeth. There are a number of different things that people chew on when they really shouldn’t. From biting your nails, chewing pencils, toothpicks, or even using your teeth as tools, it all can damage your smile. Human teeth are designed for chewing food, not as bottle openers or nail clippers. Chewing or biting hard objects not only wears down your teeth’s enamel, but can cause sudden chips and breaks. As such, this is a habit you really need to avoid. If you find yourself chewing objects as a nervous habit, consider trying a sugarless chewing gum instead.
Indulging in Acidic Beverages There’s nothing wrong with a glass of orange juice with breakfast or a glass of wine with dinner, but those who frequently drink acidic beverages are slowing wearing away their teeth’s enamel and leaving themselves open for cavities and decay. Fruit juices, soda, coffee, vegetable juices, and wine are all strongly acidic and damage teeth over time. The best way to combat this and still enjoy your favourite beverages is to be certain to brush your teeth after drinking. Brushing and using an antiseptic mouthwash will help to remove the acids and preserve your teeth. Additionally, be sure to never go to bed without brushing to limit damage to your teeth overnight.
Tobacco Use Of course, smoking is horrible for your health. However, the damage is not limited to just your internal organs. Tobacco not only stains your teeth, but also contributes to gum disease and can cause several types of oral cancer. This is true of smokeless tobacco, like dip and chew, as well as cigarettes. Stopping tobacco use is a major benefit to your oral health and your entire wellbeing.
Sucking on Sweets
The occasional candy is not going to be disastrous to your smile, especially if you brush your teeth afterwards. However, constant sucking on hard candies throughout the day can be a problem. The most frequent culprits are mints, gum, jawbreakers, and other hard candy drops. If you have a habit of keeping one of these in your mouth all day long, you’re getting a continuous influx of sugar that damages your teeth and promotes the growth of bacteria. In effect, you’re constantly chiseling away at your teeth. Try both cutting back and switching to a sugarless variety. Sugarless candies and gums are available in most every flavour, so you’re sure to find something to fit your tastes.
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