Breaking Bad Habits: Tips from Your Hartington NE Dentist
Almost everyone has at least one habit they wish they could break. However, did you know that some of these habits can impact your oral health?
Here are a few common habits and tips on how to break them, provided by Family 1st Dental – Hartington:
1. Nail Biting
Why it’s harmful: Nail biting can negatively affect your dental health by potentially chipping your teeth or even damaging them. It places pressure on your jaw when you keep it in a protruding position for long periods. Additionally, you risk tearing or injuring your gums.
The solution: Wearing a mouth guard can help deter nail biting. Other strategies include using therapy techniques, reducing stress, or applying bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails to make biting them less appealing.
2. Brushing Too Hard
Why it’s harmful: While it’s essential to brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day, brushing too hard can cause damage to your teeth and irritation to your gums. Excessive force can lead to gum recession and ineffective cleaning.
The solution: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply gentle pressure. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and brush with light strokes to protect your gums and clean your teeth effectively.
3. Grinding and Clenching
Why it’s harmful: Grinding and clenching your teeth can lead to chipping or cracking, as well as muscle tenderness and joint pain. You might also experience discomfort while chewing or find it difficult to open your mouth wide.
The solution: Stay conscious of when you grind or clench your teeth and practice relaxation exercises to help you stop. Wearing a mouth guard at night can also protect your teeth from grinding damage while you sleep.
4. Chewing Ice Cubes
Why it’s harmful: Tooth enamel and ice are both crystals. When you push two crystals against each other, it can cause one to break. This may be the ice and sometimes it may be the tooth.
The solution: Try drinking beverages without ice or use a straw instead.
5. Constant Snacking
Why it’s harmful: If your diet consists heavily of sugary foods and drinks, you are at a higher risk of forming cavities. The cavity-causing bacteria feast on leftover food and produces acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth.
The solution: To reduce snacking, eat balanced meals so that you can feel fuller, longer. You should avoid sugary foods when snacking. If you are tempted to eat the occasional sugary snack, just make sure to drink a glass of water after to wash away the leftover food.
6. Using Your Teeth as a Tool
Why it’s harmful: Using your teeth as a tool to hold items, open bottles, cut through thread, or other functions can put you at risk for chipped or broken teeth or jaw injuries.
The solution: Your teeth should never be used to hold or open items or to cut things when you don’t have scissors at your disposal. Look for your scissors or find someone that can give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you for it and you’ll be saving yourself from potentially costly and painful dental complications.
Contact our office to schedule your next dental appointment.
