Even if you brush and floss your teeth daily and visit the dentist every six months, you could still be doing things that could damage your teeth. Your teeth are strong, but they can still endure harm. It is very important to pay attention to your daily habits and make sure they are not damaging your pearly whites. Here are five ways you could be hurting your teeth.
Brushing with Too Much Force
There is no need to brush your teeth with as much force as possible. In fact, aggressive brushing can wear down the enamel and make your teeth more sensitive. You will want to avoid this by brushing your teeth in gentle circular motions with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Chewing on Ice
Do you ever like to chew on the leftover ice from your drink? If so, you could do some serious damage to your teeth. The hard texture of ice can cause chips and cracks in your teeth.
Grinding Your Teeth
Teeth-grinding is a terrible habit to have and can eventually wear down the enamel of your teeth. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to stop this habit. If you think you are grinding your teeth because of stress, do some stress-relieving activities throughout the day, such as meditation or yoga. If you tend to grind your teeth while you sleep, you may have to wear a custom mouth guard. Ask your dentist about getting one during your next appointment.
Putting Non-Food Items in Your Mouth
Nonedible items are not meant to be in your mouth, so you should keep them out of there. If you chew on a pen or try to rip off a clothing tag with your teeth, you can damage the enamel of your teeth.
Eating Sugary Treats
Eating sweet treats too frequently does not just hurt your waistline; it can also damage your teeth. Sugar lingers on the surfaces of your teeth for a while and can attract bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Keep your teeth in good shape by limiting the number of sweets you eat. Make sure to wash your mouth out with water when you do eat something sweet.
As you can see, there are quite a few things that can hurt your pearly whites. If you avoid these habits, you can keep your teeth healthy for a long time.
If you have dental issues despite following these tips, be sure to see a dentist in a timely manner. Click to read more about the kinds of services dentists often offer.
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