6 Bad Habits That Harm Your Teeth

Everyone wants white and healthy teeth, but proper dental care requires more than brushing and flossing. It is also important to avoid things that aren’t good for your overall oral health and the condition of your teeth. La Jolla Dental Image will describe below six bad habits you should avoid because they harm your teeth.

1. Consuming High Volumes Of Sugar

Sugar is bad for your mouth and overall health. It is broken down into acid by bacteria in the mouth. Over time, this acid can eat away at the enamel, leading to cavities. Sticky, sugary foods are the worst culprits because they stay on your teeth longer. If you absolutely must eat a sugary treat, make sure to brush afterward to protect your teeth.

1. Chewing Hard Things And Foreign Objects

Your teeth are the strongest part of your entire body, but that does not mean they are indestructible. Do not get into the habit of chewing things you know you should not, like your nails or ice. Chewing your nails is such a common habit that up to 30% of the population does it. Chewing on hard objects puts unnecessary stress on the teeth, which can lead to chipping, breaking, and cracking. Foreign items may also contain bacteria that cause oral infections. Instead of chewing inanimate objects, chew sugar-free gum or vegetables to keep your mouth occupied.

1. Eating Things With Strong Agents 

When someone drinks a lot of coffee or tea, you can always tell by the fact that their teeth end up being the same color. It’s easy to fall into the habit of drinking coffee throughout the day, but it’s sure to make your teeth look dirty. Instead, try replacing coffee with water or other tooth-friendly alternatives like milk or vegetable juice. If you absolutely must drink a few cups of coffee during the day, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth afterward.

1. Aggressive Brushing

Brushing your teeth too hard is a bad habit that most people do not realize. People see pictures or videos of people not cleaning properly all the time. Brushing too hard is bad for your teeth because it can erode tooth enamel. Instead, brush your teeth with gentle circular motions with a soft bristle toothbrush. Lightly touching the bristles of a toothbrush is enough to clean your teeth. Stop brushing your teeth like you brush your shoes with an old toothbrush. The American Dental Association recommends that you exchange your toothbrush every 3-4 months as well. 

1. Excessive Teeth Grinding 

Teeth grinding is a bad habit that is very difficult to control because most people who grind their teeth do not even realize they are doing it. This usually happens while you are sleeping, and it can be a sign of stress, anger, or a dominant personality. In fact, this habit of grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw is so common that as many as one in three adults during the day and more than one in ten during their sleep. You will usually need to find out what is causing your teeth grinding to fix it, but you can minimize damage from grinding your teeth by wearing a mouth guard while you sleep.

1. Going To The Dentist Occasionally

If you do not go to the dentist twice a year you will jeopardize your oral health. Dental issues can develop and not going regularly only ensures the problem will get worse. When it comes to your health, preventative care is always better. 

If you are interested in restorative, emergency, or cosmetic treatments to improve your smile consider La Jolla Dental Image in La Jolla, CA. We are ready to serve you with the latest technology, innovations, and procedures. Call 858-202-0481 to book a consultation with Dr. Wali Hamidy.