Once your adult teeth are in, you have to really look after them or you’ll end up using dentures. Many people don’t realise what their habits do to their teeth or how bad something quite simple can be. If you do any of the following, know that you could be endangering your teeth and risking a dentist visit, or two.
You may do this when you’re anxious or angry, but it can eventually cause some serious problems. Some people actually grind their teeth at night, so they aren’t even aware of it. A mouthguard can help prevent it at night, but any type of clenching and grinding can chip or grind down your teeth. The sheer pressure may give you jaw pain, but it can also crack teeth and make them more susceptible to cavities.
Do you like to munch on ice cubes? This habit is a fun way to stay hydrated, but it also has a major chance of breaking your teeth. Chewing on an ice cube can result in a filling coming loose or the tooth chipping and cracking. You’ll need immediate dental care if this occurs, since even hairline cracks allow bacteria to get inside the enamel.
This may seem harmless, but it’s quite harmful to keep your jaw in an extended position like it is when you bite your nails. Over time, this can cause issues with your jaw, including quite a lot of pain.
Biting off your nails is also damaging to your teeth and can result in chips and cracks. It’s best to avoid it if possible.
Are you someone who is constantly nibbling on something throughout the day? Every time you eat, you’re feeding the bacteria in your mouth. They create acid which is dangerous to the enamel of your teeth and will eventually eat through it and cause a cavity. Instead of eating constantly, stick to a few meals at set times and brush your teeth after eating.
Opening Things with Your Teeth
Do you ever use your teeth to open a drink or to bite through something you’d normally cut with scissors? It is our instinct to use our bodies as tools, but your teeth aren’t strong enough to handle this over time. There is a very good chance you’ll crack your teeth when biting things open or using your jaw as a clamp. Even if you don’t crack a tooth, you could injure your jaw and abrade your gums.
You only get two sets of teeth and it’s important to keep them safe. Look after your teeth by avoiding the above habits and brushing regularly. You should see your dentist if there are any issues with your teeth and to ensure you don’t have any cracks or chips that could allow bacteria to grow.
Need a dentist? Manor Road Dentists can help you with everything from fillings to oral hygiene.