A Family Dentist Shares the Top 5 Bad Habits for Your Teeth

Your family dentist recommends that you brush and floss daily to maintain healthy teeth, but that is not all. You also need to avoid some bad habits. These bad habits can harm your teeth and prevent you from maintaining a beautiful smile.

1. Nail-biting

People often bite their nails to relieve their nerves, but this habit can do serious damage to the teeth. It is not uncommon for people to chip their teeth when biting their nails. Nail-biting can also lead to jaw dysfunction.

How to stop nail-biting

Identifying and addressing the triggers that cause nail-biting is an important step in stopping the habit. In the meantime, people are encouraged to use bitter-tasting nail polish on the nails.

2. Opening items with teeth

Many people use their teeth in place of toolboxes. Tearing open packages is one common use, and it is very dangerous. People run the risk of cracking teeth when opening packages and boxes with teeth instead of tools.

Use the right tools at all times

Use the correct tools when opening packages. Using teeth instead of tools can damage the teeth, and then people have to go to the family dentist for help.

3. Chewing on non-food objects

Avoid chewing on pencils, ice and other hard objects. Chewing these objects can cause cracks and chips in the teeth that the family dentist will be required to fix. Chewing on these objects can even harm the gums and soft tissue.

Replace hard objects with sugar-free gum

People who cannot stop chewing need to reach for a piece of sugar-free gum instead of a hard object. This is the preferable way to chew on something.

4. Brushing too hard

Brushing is an important part of oral health, but some people attack their teeth like they are going to battle. Hard brushing can harm teeth and gums, so relax and brush carefully.

Get the right tools

It is also important to use a soft toothbrush when brushing. The bristles will not harm the enamel during the process. Use the brush to lightly clean the teeth.

5. Consuming sugar

It is normal to like sugar. It is very tasty, after all. However, bacteria feed on sugar and that creates acid. Acid eats at the enamel on the teeth, causing decay.

The solution

Eliminating sugar might not be an option for you, but there is a smart way to partake. Only eat sugar during meals to take advantage of the additional saliva production. Also, make sure to drink water after eating sugar to clean the excess acid and bacteria out of the mouth.

Have healthy teeth by going to a family dentist

Going to the family dentist regularly is one step in taking care of your teeth. Your actions at home are also important. Avoid nail-biting, opening items with your teeth, chewing on hard objects, brushing too hard and consuming too much sugar. Developing healthier habits will help you maintain healthy teeth.

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