Your teeth play an important role in your general health and in your overall nutrition. Maintaining them is necessary if you want to stay well nourished and not develop any oral diseases.
Although many people may have a fantastic regimen to keep their pearly whites strong, certain common practices can have negative effects. View our top 7 common habits that can cause damage to your teeth.
1.Nail Biting
This habit is considered one of the common nervous habits and is also one of the most unfavorable ones because it affects on your teeth negatively. According to Colgate, patients who bite their nails chip the enamel away their front teeth. This is due to the pressure and stressed caused when biting.
According to a study conducted by the General Dentistry Journal, people who have this habit are at greater risk for bruxism – a condition where the tooth enamel is worn off. In addition, nail biting can make your jaw become displaced in a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
A great solution is to use a mouthguard! This will help prevent damage to your teeth.
2.Chewing Ice Cubes
Chewing on ice cubes can be so satisfying, especially on a hot summer’s day. But did you know that chewing on these cold delights can cause gum injury and fractures to the enamel? Surprisingly, craving to chew ice is often a sign of iron deficiency and anemia.
According to Livestrong.com, chewing on these treats will not influence the levels of iron in your body. If you notice that you are craving ice more than usual, you may have to take an iron supplement or speak to your doctor.
3. Brushing Forcefully
Brushing your teeth too hard can cause many problems to your oral health. Many people may not realize that they are adding too much pressure to their teeth. Below you will find a few signs of over brushing.
- Enamel wear
- Receding gums
- Cavities on teeth
Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth in gentle, circular motions for 2-3 mins. Make sure to purchase a toothbrush with soft bristles!
4. Teeth Grinding
30 to 40 million Americans grind their teeth and many of them don’t realize it. It’s a trait that is linked to anxiety or can be inherited when done consciously. Either way, it can cause damage to your teeth.
Teeth grinding can also occur while a person is asleep and they may not realize it. It’s important to identify the signs of teeth grinding symptoms below.
Teeth grinding symptoms (while asleep):
- Dull constant headache
- Sore jaw
- Someone hears your during your sleep
- Indentations on your tongue
- Tooth sensitivity
There are many consequences that you can experience if you grind your teeth. Some of them include:
- Cracked teeth
- Tooth Loss
- Chipped tooth enamel
- TMJ
If you suspect that you may have the teeth grinding condition, schedule an appointment with your dental professional. They will provide the solution to combat the problem.
5. Using Teeth As Tools
Whether you’re opening a beer cap off the bottle or cracking a nut open, using your teeth is a tempting tool because of its easy access. Using your teeth as a tool can damage your teeth causing chips or the shifting of the jaw, in a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).  It’s important to use the appropriate tools rather than using your teeth!
6. Not Using A Mouth Guard
A mouthguard is a protective piece that guards the teeth to prevent or reduce injury to the mouth when playing physical activities.
Preserving your teeth is imperative when engaging in sports because accidents happen. An estimated 5-million people have a missing tooth due to not wearing a mouthguard when playing physical sports.
Next time that you play a physical sport, make sure to grab a mouthguard! It will safeguard your teeth.
7. Eating Sugary Foods And Beverages Consistently
According to the National Institutes of Health, 58% of teens aged 12 to 19 have cavities, with adults 20-64 at an astonishing 92%. Consumption of sugar is a primary reason that cavities and tooth decay are at a rise in the United States.
When you consume sugar, mouth bacteria feed on it. The bacteria then leaves its residue on your teeth, which leads to gum disease, tartar and cavities. To prevent this, make sure to consume less sugar in your diet and to brush your teeth after indulging in it.
Contact Us
Taking care of your teeth is very important for your overall health. If you want to learn more about ways that you can maintain your oral health contact Perio NYC today. We offer many dental services that are beneficial to your health!
