10 Habits That Are Bad for Your Teeth

From eating to chewing to talking, teeth play a vital part in our life. However, we often take them for granted and sometimes don’t pay much attention to dental health. Brushing and flossing alone cannot keep your teeth healthy - there are tons of daily habits that can damage your teeth in the long run - and you need to get rid of them. 

Here are 10 habits that can damage teeth: 

1. Cigarette and other tobacco products

   Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause stains on your teeth and increase the chances of gum disease, leading to loss of teeth. Smoking also reduces the production of saliva and increases the risk of mouth odor. 

2. Sugar laced sports drinks

   Sports drinks might quench your thirst and make you feel refreshed, but they are also high on sugar and leave an acid coating on your teeth’s enamel. Just sip on water to stay hydrated. 

3. Grinding your teeth

   Though done subconsciously, grinding your teeth can lead to their premature wear and tear. Sleeping habits and stress are the most common factors for teeth grinding. Wear a mouthguard at night to protect your teeth from further damage. 

4. Chewing on ice

   Your habit of chewing on ice or pens or pencils may seem harmless, but continuous chomping can damage the soft tissue of your teeth, leading to toothache. Chewing on hard things can also crack and chip your precious white pearls, so chew on sugar-free gum instead.

5. Using your teeth to open packages

   We all do this very often. However, using teeth as a tool to cut open things or replacing a bottle opener with your teeth can crack or chip your teeth. The bottom line is, refrain from doing such things that damage your teeth. 

6. Too much coffee intake

   If you are a coffee addict, then you should read this carefully. Coffee can stain your teeth and eventually turn them yellow and dull. The sugar in your coffee can cause tooth decay, so consider changing your habit.

7. Constant munching

   Less saliva is produced while snacking, leaving behind tiny food particles that get stuck in your teeth. Try to avoid snacking too often and do away with foods that damage teeth.

8. Brushing too hard

   Brushing teeth aggressively will not clean or remove plaque; instead, it will lead to enamel erosion and irritation in the gum areas. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean and massage your teeth and gums.

9. Sugary treats

   Gummies and other similar candies can get stuck in your teeth for hours, resulting in tooth decay. Try to eat candies along with meals, and the sugar residue will get rinsed away with the saliva in your mouth. 

10. Excessive use of toothpicks

    No matter how much you love using toothpicks, be careful of using them too often. Excessive toothpick usage can damage your tooth enamel and scratch the teeth surface. 

Schedule a regular dental check-up with us to discuss the health risks with your dentist and to get a full oral examination.

Also Read: 

Foods that Make Your Teeth Yellow