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Nail biting, using teeth as tools, chewing ice cubes, frequent snacking, thumb sucking, teeth grinding, and brushing too hard are some of the bad habits that can affect our oral health. Read on to learn how. 

Using Teeth As Tools

It’s common to see people using their teeth as tools to open the packaging – this is totally wrong! Not only can it lead to chips and fractures, but it can damage restorations and lead to fillings falling out. Use scissors instead! Even using your pearly whites to bang things off of tables is bad because you may be putting too much pressure on your teeth. Protect your teeth and try to avoid using these teeth “tools” when possible.

Chewing Ice Cube

Chewing ice cubes is a habit that many people have. While it may seem harmless, it’s a habit that can wreak havoc on your oral and overall health. The following are a few reasons why this habit should be avoided. Ice is very hard on the teeth; you might chip or crack a tooth from excessive pressure. Although the cold temperature of the water can temporarily numb the mouth, the cold water can actually cause some pain to resurface. If your gums experience sensitivity, then the ice will make it worse. This could end up causing damage to the soft tissues.

Frequent Snacking

Many people love snacking throughout the day because it gives them something to do while they’re at the office or watching television. Unfortunately, many of your favorite snacks can have a negative effect on your teeth and gums. Additionally, if your diet contains a lot of sticky candies, such as caramels or gummies, the sugars tend to cling to your teeth for a longer time. This increases your risk of tooth decay because you give the acids in plaque more time to work their destruction. Try to eat healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables instead. 

Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is perfectly normal and very common in small children. However, if your little one continues to suck their thumb past the age of three, it could lead to problems with the shape of their mouth. This could include an overbite or open bite, which could cause teeth to shift and become crooked. Additionally, thumb sucking can lead to the misalignment of teeth. If your children are struggling with thumb sucking, discuss it with their pediatric dentist, who will help them stop the habit. 

Teeth Grinding

Do you wake up with a headache or sore teeth? You might be grinding your teeth in your sleep! The condition known as “bruxism” can be severely detrimental to your oral health and smile. If you grind your teeth at night, it’s important to come in for an appointment so that we can get a proper diagnosis and start you on a treatment right away. If you’re regularly waking up with a sore jaw and headache, there’s a good chance that you’re suffering from bruxism. 

Brushing Too Hard

Brushing too hard or using a hard toothbrush can cause damage to your gums over time. Brushing too hard can also cause gums to recede from the teeth and lead to sensitivity issues. Choose the right toothbrush for you! If you’re unsure if you’re brushing correctly, talk to your dentist for more information!

If you’re due for a checkup or have questions about your oral health and how to better take care of it, feel free to get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment today! Visit Boutique Dental at 68-35 Myrtle Ave, Glendale, NY 11385, or call (718) 821-0170 to schedule an appointment.