Following are five things you should never do with your teeth.
Open Packaging or Bottles
It might be tempting to tear into plastic packaging or open a bottle with your teeth, but this habit can lead to serious dental injuries. The force associated with using your teeth as a tool could lead to severe cracks and chips.
It’s best to break this habit and keep scissors and bottle openers within reach.
Chew Ice
Many people chew ice as a nervous habit. It might seem like a benign way to occupy your time but chewing on ice can wear down your tooth enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay, cracks, and chips.
If you’re having trouble breaking this habit, we recommend drinking beverages with a straw to reduce the temptation to chew on ice.
Forget to Brush and Floss
Brushing and flossing properly and regularly can prevent conditions like dental caries and periodontal disease. Forgetting to brush and floss leads to accumulation of plaque and ultimately, tartar. Both of these substances contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. You should brush and floss your teeth every day with proper technique and with products that have the ADA seal of acceptance.
Grind Your Teeth or Clench Your Jaw
If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw you could be causing serious damage to your teeth. This habit is known as “bruxism” and it can lead to the need for restorative care, prosthetic teeth, and root canal therapy. Bruxism also produces headaches and facial pain because it strains the soft tissues that support the jaw.
Eat Sugary Food
Sugary foods are a threat to your oral health. We recommend avoiding anything with sugar as often as possible. If you do eat something sugary, be sure to drink plain water and brush your teeth thirty minutes after eating.
For additional tips, contact our team at Charlottesville Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center.