Everyone has one or two bad habits that they are not proud of. However, certain habits can deteriorate your dental health. One of the common poor habits in Texas that is detrimental to teeth is smoking. Just because it is smoke that goes to your lungs, that does not mean your teeth and gums are not getting affected.
If your poor dental habits have led to tooth decay, visit a dentist in Sugar Land today to know your treatment options. Meanwhile, here are some habits to prevent.
Five dental habits to break this year.
- Nail biting.
Nail biting may appear harmless. However, continuing this habit can cause significant damage to your teeth. Continuous nail biting can cause your teeth to crack and chip or may result in excessive wear. Also, bacteria from your nails can easily enter your mouth, increasing the risk of infections. Find another alternative for stress relief, such as meditation, and take the resolution of breaking this poor habit today.
- Teeth grinding.
Teeth grinding can result in chipping or cracking of teeth, making it feel tender. If you have a habit of teeth grinding, break it today and seek other relaxation exercises that do not put your oral health at risk. Many people unconsciously grind their teeth while sleeping. If you have this problem, consider using a nighttime mouthguard while sleeping.
- Chewing on inedible objects.
Chewing on inedible objects like pencils, pens, pen caps, and keyrings can cause serious damage to your teeth. Undoubtedly, your teeth are made of the strongest substance in your body, the enamel. However, they are not made for non-edible items. This bad habit of constantly chewing on hard objects can cause chips, cracks, and stress on your jaw. Take the resolution to break this habit and save your dental health today.
- Cut back on sugar.
The amount of sugar you eat and tooth decay are directly related. If you are craving something sweet, seek other alternatives, such as seltzer water over soda or sugar-free gums, to reduce the risk of cavities and safeguard your dental health. This small change can have significant benefits on your oral and overall health.
- Chewing on ice cubes.
Chewing on ice may seem like a harmless habit to cool yourself down. However, this can have serious effects on your teeth. Ice is rigid and solid. Continuous crunching or chewing can cause microfractures in your teeth. These cracks are so tiny that you will be unable to notice them immediately, and can result in more serious issues over time. Drink soda or juice to cool yourself in the hot summers and break the habit of ice chewing today.
If any of these habits have resulted in your teeth being damaged, visit your nearest dentist today!
