There’s a lot that can wreck your teeth. It’s not just about brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, you can do harm to your teeth even when you’re doing everything you can to get your oral hygiene right. There are things many of us do, in fact most of us do, that can hurt your teeth and you may not even realize it.
Getting a handle on these bad habits is the key to rounding out your oral health.
Did you know you can brush too much? Maybe you like to bite down on your ice cubes at the bottom of a drink. There’s a lot of small things we don’t even realize can hurt our teeth and overall oral health. Some of these are small habits you may not notice, or they may be things you know you should get a hold of.
Below are some of the more common bad habits that can ruin your teeth without you ever knowing it.
Nail Biting
We’ve all probably gone through a phase of nervously biting our nails or taking to nail biting when we’re bored. The danger here is you can chip your teeth by trying to tear through your nails, which are surprisingly hearty. In fact, tooth biting is associated with jaw disorders and disfunction which arises from the unnecessary pressure they endure when you bite your nails.
Brushing Too Hard
You want to get the job done when it comes to tooth brushing, but you can overdo it. You should aim for two minutes, twice a day, without doing it too much or going too hard when you do it. Brushing aggressively with a hard toothbrush can damage the enamel of your teeth and irritate your gums which can become inflamed and potentially infected as a result.
Biting Ice
When we get drinks at the restaurant, we’ve all been tempted to chew on the ice at the bottom of our glass. The problem though is your tooth enamel and ice are made out of the same structures: crystals. When they are forced against each other, one of them will break and while it’s usually the ice, sometimes it’s your teeth.
Related Questions
How can I avoid overbrushing?
Aim for a soft toothbrush, first and foremost. Softer bristles get the job done without hurting you. Keep to twice a day brushing unless you need to clean your teeth more. Don’t overdo it. There are toothbrushes available in “ultra-soft” that work great on natural teeth.
What about teeth grinding?
Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw is a big problem for many people. This is something to talk to your dentist about as it often takes some form of intervention to protect your teeth and jaw if you know you grind your teeth or clench your jaw at night.
Talk to your dentist about your worries when it comes to bad habits for your teeth and how you can be sure to form good habits to keep your mouth healthy.
If you are looking for a dentist that meets the needs of the entire family, Sedki Dentistry is the place. At Sedki Dentistry, we have dedicated ourselves to providing the highest quality dental care in a safe and comfortable environment. Our Commerce Twp dental office services include dental veneers, Invisalign, teeth whitening, dental implants, dentures and more! Dr. Sedki uses the latest techniques and procedures in cosmetic and general dentistry including Pinhole Surgical Technique and children’s dentistry services.
Call Sedki Dentistry today for a Free dental consultation and see why our dental clinic is a top choice in Michigan!