Your teeth may look and feel tough – in many ways, they are – but they are not indestructible. You shouldn’t, for example, use them to crush ice or open bottle caps. Similarly, you cannot simply neglect them and expect maintenance-free dental health and beauty.
Here are 8 more habits that can – directly or indirectly – damage your pearly whites:
Multitasking while brushing
While it may be tempting to brush while watching TV or reading the daily news, it is unlikely that you will give your pearlies the proper clean they deserve if you do. Brushing requires your undivided attention: To make sure you apply the right amount of pressure – not too hard or vigorous – and clean every single tooth. It is advisable to clean your teeth by the quadrant so that you do not miss any areas.
Ignoring teeth grinding
Do you grind your teeth at night? If you do, you may have bruxism – a condition in which you grind or clench your teeth. It typically occurs during sleep and is practiced unconsciously as an oral para-functional activity. Do not ignore your teeth grinding habits as it can wear out your teeth and lead to development of temporomandibular joint disorder – a condition that impairs the function of your jaws.
Excessive tooth-picking
Toothpicks are effective cleaning tools if you use them gently. However, regular toothpick users do it out of habit rather than need, often unaware of the risks of excessive tooth-picking damaging their teeth.
Overdoing teeth whitening
Do you know that it is possible to get hooked on teeth whitening? With the wide availability of teeth whitening products, this cosmetic dental treatment is becoming, for some, a new addiction. The downside of this obsessive behaviour is increased tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.1
Using a Hard brush
You can damage your teeth by using too much force when brushing your teeth. Indeed, overbrushing can harm your enamel (the natural protective layer of your teeth) and gums, leading to other dental problems down the road.
Drinking too much soft drink
The sugars in fizzy carbonated drinks interact with oral bacteria to form acid. This acid will then attack the enamel layer of your teeth and weaken it through erosion. That is why over-consumption of soft drinks can result in cavities and tooth decay.
Storing your tooth brush wrong
It is good habit to wash your toothbrush head before putting it away. Next, you should store it in an upright position – in a cup or holder – so that the bristle head is free from any contact or risk of cross-contamination. Since moisture attracts bacteria, you should air-dry your toothbrush in an area with good air circulation.
Skipping dental appointments
Last but most importantly, remember to schedule twice-yearly appointments to see your dentist for a check-up and clean. Skipping your six-monthly dental appointment is a bad idea if you wish to maintain good oral health – and avoid future dental issues.
At Face Value Dental, we offer a range of preventive dental services. If you’re interested to find out more, please contact us on (07 3221 0677 or make an online enquiry.