Most people want to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile. Often, people do things without realizing the damage their actions may have on their teeth. Certain habits can strain your teeth and chewing system. Learning about which common behaviors might put your smile at risk can help your curb those habits.
Considering your teeth a tool
When you cut, tear, or rip things with your teeth, these actions can wear down the enamel and lead to tooth damage. Use scissors for these tasks and spare your teeth the extra stress.
Holding objects between teeth
If you stick a pen, pencil, or other solid object between teeth, you risk breaking those teeth because they aren’t designed to withstand this type of continual force.
Crunching ice
Though you may love chewing ice, it can actually put excess pressure on teeth, which can lead to chips, fractures, or breakage. The same goes for hard candies.
Clenching and grinding
Also called bruxism, this habit is often a subconscious act. Many people don’t realize they are clenching and grinding their teeth until they start to feel pain or notice damage. If bruxism is a problem for you, talk with your dentist about a mouth guard, which can stop you from clenching and grinding.
Snacking between meals
Before you grab that bag of chips or reach for a couple of cookies, think about the impact it can have on your teeth. Snacking on sugary, starchy foods throughout the day makes your mouth the perfect environment for the bacteria that lead to plaque build up and cavities. When you feel hungry, try crunchy fruits and vegetables because they actually help remove plaque from teeth.
