You know you should be looking after your teeth and that involves brushing the twice a day properly and flossing at least once. Mouth wash can also help. But, did you know that your oral health is directly connected to your overall health? Looking after your oral health will help you to stay healthy, live longer, and maintain a higher quality of life. That should be all the incentive you need to discover the following five habits that are bad for your oral health and stop doing them.
By Team Savant
Image: Samia Liamani
1. Not Visiting the Dentist
It sounds simple and it is. A regular visit to a good dentist, such as this dentist Palmyra, will ensure your teeth are being looked after properly. Your dentist will identify issues early, allowing you to change your behaviour, the way you brush, or simply have them repaired before they cause bigger issues.
Many more people keep their teeth into old age today than they did thirty or forty years ago. Much of this is due to regular dental checkups and the best possible care. You should be going at least once a year, if you haven’t been recently then book your appointment today.
2. Chewing Ice
The enamel that covers your teeth is one of the hardest substances on the planet. Of course, it can be damaged by the acid that occurs in your mouth, a side effect of sugar and bacteria. But, you may also be surprised to know it can be damaged by chewing ice.
The ice scraps the enamel layer, gradually wearing it down and allowing bacteria into the inner structure of your teeth. This causes cavities and can even result in abscesses or, in extreme cases, tooth loss.
3. Brushing Too Hard
It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. However, it is possible to brush your teeth too hard. Ideally, you should hold your toothbrush with your forefinger and your thumb, this will reduce the likelihood of you brushing too hard.
Brushing too hard damages the gums, allowing bacteria into the gum line and effectively increasing the risk of tooth instability and ultimately tooth loss. This bacteria can also get into your bloodstream and cause additional health issues.
4. Using Your Teeth To Open Things
Your teeth are surprisingly strong but that doesn’t mean you should be using them to open bottles or packets of anything. These processes place stress on your teeth, potentially damaging your tough enamel and increasing the risk of cavities. Using your teeth to open things causes the same type of damage as chewing ice and is best avoided.
5. Grinding Your Teeth
Finally, grinding your teeth is never a good move. The act of grinding wears the enamel away, weakening the tooth’s defense structure and making it more vulnerable to attack.
Grinding can also cause the teeth to move slightly and create stress on your jawbones. The result isn’t just tooth damage, it can be a painful face that is difficult to resolve.