There are a lot of things you probably didn’t know could damage your teeth. You may not have realized that chewing on pens, biting your nails or tearing open bags can all harm the health of your teeth and gums. It’s important to take care of our oral hygiene and prevent these habits from becoming a damaging action. Keep reading to find out about 5 Common Habits That Could Damage Your Teeth:
Chomping on Ice Chips/Cubes
Do you chomp on ice with your teeth? If you do, you might want to stop that. Your teeth are not designed to be able to withstand chomping on ice. Ice is a crystal that can cause damage to teeth, fillings, crowns, etc.
Gnawing on Pen Caps
When you can’t quite find the right word to use when writing an email, or you’re trying to find a solution to a problem at work do you start chewing on pen caps? Doing so is generally really bad for your teeth. It can result in pain and added tooth sensitivity. Over a prolonged period of time, it could result in damage to your teeth. Instead of chewing on your pen cap, find something else to do. Your teeth need a break from chomping, chewing, and gnawing.
Using Teeth To Rip Open Bags
It is tempting to use our teeth to rip open bags when the scissors or a knife is not close by. However, doing so can lead to tooth damage. You can chip a tooth or injure your jaw. Instead of using your teeth, take the time to get the proper tool. Your teeth will thank you, and perhaps you can add a few steps in for your day.
Biting Fingernails
Biting fingernails is a habit that often starts when you are young. Many people do it without thinking about it or when they are nervous. However, it is best to ditch this disgusting habit as early as possible. Not only can biting fingernails result in damage to your teeth and jaw, but it can expose your to a variety of germs. Additionally, biting fingernails can create an infection and can cause hangnails. Grab the nail clippers and keep your nails nicely trimmed in order to remove the temptation to bite your fingernails.
Brushing Teeth Too Aggressively
Brushing teeth too aggressively can cause damage to your teeth and cause gum recession. Buy and use only soft bristle toothbrushes. Additionally, brush your teeth gently and with care. There is a technique to good brushing. Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gums in order to prevent them from being damaged or brushed too hard. Brush your teeth for 2 full minutes. You should also floss them daily as well.
Teeth can be damaged in a variety of accidental ways. We should be careful not to add to the damage through activities which we know can cause damage.
If you damage your teeth or suspect they are damaged for any reason, you should visit the dentist. He will assess the damage and let you know what steps can be taken in order to repair the damage.
Hopefully you learned a lot about common habits that could damage your teeth.