3 Bad Dental Habits You Should Avoid

There are plenty of positive dental habits you should integrate into your daily life to ensure that your teeth remain healthy and happy for years to come. For example, brushing twice a day and flossing once a day can help prevent plaque from building up and damaging your tooth structures and gums. Drinking water also supplies your teeth with fluoride, a natural mineral found in water that helps strengthen tooth enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. However, some negative habits can be detrimental to your dental health. Here are three bad dental habits you should avoid for healthier teeth:

Chewing on Hard Objects

This habit is actually quite common among patients: chewing on hard objects such as ice, pencils, or pens. However, doing so can cause significant damage to your teeth over time. For example, chewing on ice can lead to the development of fractures. The cold and brittle nature of ice can create tiny cracks in the enamel, and over time, these cracks can worsen as you continue to chew on hard objects. Although crushed ice may seem like a refreshing treat, avoid chewing it at all costs.

Using Your Teeth for Purposes Other Than Chewing 

Have you ever tried to use your teeth for tasks other than eating? For instance, have you used them to open bags of chips, cut loose threads, or straighten paper clips? Each time you use your teeth in this way, you risk chipping or fracturing them. Although your teeth are strong, they aren’t designed for these tasks, and the pressure can lead to damage. Instead of using your teeth as tools, protect your dental health by using actual tools!

Grinding Your Teeth  

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be a difficult habit to break, especially if you do it unconsciously while sleeping. Many dentists offer a solution in the form of mouthguards. When worn at night, these guards protect your teeth from grinding, reducing the risk of excessive wear, fractures, or breaks. Teeth grinding often occurs as a result of stress, so during the day, try to avoid stressful situations or practice healthy habits to help you de-stress.

By avoiding the negative dental habits above and continuing to practice good ones, you can ensure your dental health is always at its best!