7 Habits That Can Destroy Your Teeth

To maintain your smile beautiful and healthy, you need brush, floss, and see the dentist frequently, but do you know which habits truly harm your teeth? Snacking on sugary foods in between meals is undoubtedly a harmful habit, but there are other habits that harm teeth that are less visible. Poor dental health is caused by a variety of things, such as smoking, biting your nails, and opening bottles with your teeth. Here is a list of seven habits that can destroy your teeth.

1. Smoking

Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products, such as vaping, is not only bad for your overall health; it can also increase your chance of developing a number of dental issues. Smoking can promote gum disease, and discolored teeth, and possibly speed up the loss of teeth. 

Because less saliva is produced, there is a higher chance of tooth decay and foul breath (induced by toxic bacteria and food rotting). It should go without saying that tobacco smoking is the main factor in the majority of oral cancer cases.

2. Nail biting

The tense state of the body is what causes people to bite on their nails. But since it's a harmful habit, you should do your best to break it as soon as you can. Dirt and bacteria build up on the hands and between the fingernails. When someone gnaws on their nails, these pests enter the mouth and cause inflammation as well as other infectious disorders. Additionally, this bad behavior might cause tiny cracks in the front teeth.

3. The use of wooden toothpicks

After a meal, you might consider it a good idea to remove food particles from your teeth with a toothpick or another non-dental device, but doing so might lead to damaged and infected gums. To get food out from between your teeth, use floss or a dental cleaning instrument that has been approved by the ADA.

4. Using your teeth as tools

You face the risk of accidentally shattering your teeth or hurting your jaw when you use your teeth for anything other than what they were intended, such to open a bottle or clip off a price tag. To avoid being tempted to use your teeth, have practical equipment at hand, such as a bottle opener and scissors.

5. Coffee addiction

Indeed, coffee is tasty, and sipping your first cup in the morning definitely helps you wake up. A good thing may, however, be harmful if had in excess, as the saying goes. Your teeth may get yellow or too sensitive from drinking too much coffee. In reality, the majority of people who visit a dental clinic want to minimize the harmful effects of coffee addiction. 

A whole new set of oral health problems, such as weight gain and cavities, can also result from adding sugar to your coffee. For this reason, many dental care providers would advise clients to reduce their daily coffee consumption to no more than one cup.

6. Aggressive tooth brushing

Some people brush their teeth too aggressively in the mistaken belief that this thoroughly cleans and eliminates plaque from the teeth's surface. But over time, vigorous brushing can irritate the gums and wear away the enamel. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean your teeth less forcefully for two minutes.

7. Playing sports without a mouthguard

Using a mouthguard is always advised, whether you play on a professional team or with a few buddies at the park. This is due to the fact that losing a tooth or cutting your gums does not need a great deal of force. Additionally, using a mouthguard when participating in a full-contact activity like football or basketball may help protect your oral health.