Six Bad Habits that Damage Your Teeth

Everyone would love to have a set of white, healthy teeth, but it takes more than brushing and flossing to properly take care of them. It is equally important that you abstain from things that are not good for your overall oral health and the condition of your teeth.

Here is a list of habits you should avoid if you want to keep your teeth healthy for long.

1. Eating lots of sugary food items

Sugar is bad for your oral and overall health. It is broken down into acids by bacteria in your mouth. Over time, this acid eats away at your enamel, leading to tooth decay. Sticky sugary foods are the worst offenders since these stay on your teeth for a lot longer. If you must absolutely have a sugary treat, make sure you brush afterward to protect your teeth.

2. Eating hard things

Your teeth are actually the strongest part of your entire body, but that does not mean that they are indestructible. Do not make a habit of chewing on things that you know you should not be chewing on like your nails or ice. Chewing on hard objects puts lots of unnecessary stress on your teeth, and that can lead to chips, fractures, and cracks.

3. Consuming things with powerful coloring agents

You can always tell when someone drinks lots of coffee or tea because their teeth eventually end up the same color. It is easy to get into a routine where you find yourself sipping on java all day, but that is guaranteed to leave your teeth looking discolored. Instead, try substituting the coffee with water or some other teeth-friendly alternative like milk or vegetable juice. If you must absolutely have a few cups of coffee during the day, make sure you rinse your mouth with water when you are done or brush your teeth.

4. Brushing too hard

Brushing too hard is a bad habit that most people are not even aware they have. People constantly see images or videos of people brushing the wrong way. Applying lots of pressure when brushing is actually bad for your teeth since it erodes your enamel. Instead, brush with soft and gentle circular motions. A little contact with the bristles of a brush is all it takes to clean your teeth. Stop brushing like you are cleaning your shoes with an old toothbrush.

5. Grinding your teeth

Grinding one's teeth is a bad habit that can be hard to control since most people who grind their teeth are not even aware that they are doing so. It is something that usually happens while you sleep, and it can be a sign of stress, anger, or a domineering personality. You typically have to figure out the cause of your grinding to address it, but you can minimize the damage done by it by wearing a mouth guard whenever you go to bed.

6. Not regularly visiting the dentist

Not going to the dentist twice a year, allows tartar to build up on your teeth and prevents him/her from dealing with issues in their early stages.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Long Grove Dental, request an appointment in our Long Grove dental office here: http://www.longgrovedental.com.