Have you ever noticed that sometimes, even when you brush and floss your teeth vigilantly and see the dentist every six months, you still have issues with your smile? This is undoubtedly frustrating because you are seemingly doing everything you have been taught from a young age. However, maintaining great oral hygiene consists of more than just practicing these great preventative care routines — though you should absolutely keep doing them. In today’s blog, your Allen, TX, dentist discusses common bad habits that can cause harm to your teeth.
Frequent Snacking
When you snack constantly — especially on sugary items — you are allowing food particles to accumulate on your teeth. Even if your go-to choices tend to be healthier, by eating frequently, your saliva doesn’t have the time to help clear any small bits from your mouth. This is particularly problematic if your normal snacks are on the sugary side. If you enjoy eating throughout the day, be sure to drink plenty of water, seek out low-sugar snacks, and even brush your teeth an extra time.
Chewing Your Nails
Nail-biting is a common habit, especially for those that are stressed and anxious. When you chew your nails, you run the risk of damaging not only your teeth but also their roots. This could potentially lead to needing root canal treatment. If you do happen to find yourself biting your nails habitually, try wearing gloves to help deter you from doing so. You could also apply hand sanitizer more frequently to make the taste harsher. Plus, during these pandemic times, it could have additional benefits.
Brushing Too Hard
Although brushing — along with regularly going to exams and cleanings — is a key component of maintaining good oral hygiene, you want to be sure you are not brushing too vigorously. When you do brush too hard, you run the risk of wearing down your enamel, which ultimately makes you more susceptible to cavities and other types of decay. It is often helpful to use a soft-bristled brush for a more gentle experience. You can also ask your dentist for pointers on how to improve your brushing technique.
Chewing Ice
Chewing ice can feel very refreshing, especially if you are trying to enjoy the last remnants of a tasty beverage. However, doing so can damage your teeth. If you do it enough, you can crack your teeth or even cause them to become misaligned. If you have a hard time avoiding this, try to use a straw to stop yourself.
Contact Us To Learn More About At-Home Tips
If you have any questions about these bad habits or at-home dental care tips, in general, we invite you to schedule an appointment today. You can contact your Allen, TX, dentist, Dr. Torrens-Parker, by calling 469-342-6644. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, radiant smile.
