Maintaining beautiful teeth and healthy gums is only possible with good dental hygiene habits. However, without even realizing it, you might be doing some bad habits that are harming your oral health. Because we want you to enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles, we’re sharing a few of those with you today.
- Crunching on ice.
If you like to chew on ice or bite down on your pens, doing so can crack your tooth. Those cracks can lead to sensitivities to cold or hot temperatures. Over time, they can wear down your enamel and potentially increase your risk for tooth decay.
- Opening bottles or packages with your teeth.
Although it’s tempting, fight the urge to open a package or a bottle with your teeth. Doing this can crack, chip, or dislodge a tooth.
- Enjoying too much sugar.
If you have a sweet tooth, indulging can be harmful to your oral health. When sugar blends in with the bacteria in your saliva, it can create plaque on your teeth. As a result, you increase your risk for cavities and tooth decay.
- Not brushing long enough.
If you brush your teeth twice a day, that’s great! Just make sure you brush for at least two minutes. Without a thorough cleaning, you aren’t getting the bacteria and food particles from your teeth.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth.
When you’re stressed, do you grind or clench your teeth? This terrible habit can crack or chip a tooth, flatten the grooves of your molars, and cause jaw pain. We can create a custom-fit mouthguard that will protect your teeth from this behavior and give you relief.
- Not drinking water throughout the day.
Water is a great way of washing away food particles and bacteria from your mouth. If you don’t like drinking water, though, sipping sugary beverages will only increase your risk of cavities. Try to discipline yourself to drink water instead. Your mouth will thank you!
- Brushing your teeth too soon after eating.
Brushing your teeth after a meal might give you fresh breath but you could also damage your tooth enamel. Your teeth are vulnerable after eating certain foods with high acidity. So, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. Consider rinsing your mouth with water or chewing gum instead.
Wondering how your habits are affecting your smile? Call us at 513-802-9440 to make an appointment in Cincinnati or schedule online.