14 Jan 2017 Bad Habits That Can Ruin Your Teeth
Although you mean well, it’s almost certain that at some point or another, you have been guilty of a bad teeth habit. You know what can ruin your teeth, but, just like the rest of us, you frequently take your teeth for granted.
The problem is that bad dental habits can do permanent and irreversible damage. Tooth damage can be extremely painful and dental implants are expensive, so it’s wise to take care of your teeth now and break these bad habits for good. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common habits that can result in bad teeth.
Using Teeth to Tear and Open Things
At some point in our lives, we’ve all opened a bottle of water with our teeth. While this doesn’t result in immediate pain, every time you use your teeth to open or tear things, you put yourself at risk of cracking a tooth.
Plus, using your teeth to complete these tasks can lead to a weakening of the teeth’s roots over
time. This can result in the loss of teeth, not to mention serious chronic jaw pain.
Not Brushing and Flossing Regularly
This one may seem obvious, but the reality is that over 30% of Americans don’t brush their teeth twice daily as is recommended.
Needless to say, by not brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day, you put yourself at risk for all kinds of dental ailments including cavities, tooth decay and gum disease.
Smoking
We all know that cigarettes will cause teeth to yellow over time, but the ingredients in cigarettes are also highly toxic and can result in a variety of dental problems. Gum disease is a common result of cigarette smoking as cigarettes weaken your immune system’s ability to fight off dental infections. This can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss.
If you are a cigarette smoker, quit now to protect not only your teeth but the overall health of your body.
Chewing on Sugary Snacks
Yes, candy is delicious, but excess sugar consumption can do serious damage to your teeth. Sugar is one of the biggest causes of bad teeth as it is known to stick to the little crevices inside and between each tooth, allowing bacteria to build up. This growth of bacteria leads to tooth decay and cavities which can be painful and result in the loss of teeth if left untreated.
As you can see, there are many common causes of bad teeth. The good news, however, is that by knowing what can ruin your teeth, you can put a stop to these bad habits and not only protect your dental health but save money in the long run.
The best way to prevent bad teeth is to keep up with your dental appointments. An annual dental cleaning can undo a good portion of the damage caused by poor dental hygiene. If you have certain habits that can lead to dental problems down the road, call your dentist today to make an appointment for a professional dental cleaning.