Did you know that biting your nails is not only bad for your fingers, it can actually hurt your teeth!
Did you know that biting your nails is not only bad for your fingers, it can actually hurt your teeth!
While some of these dental health “don’ts” can do immediate damage to your teeth (by cracking or breaking them), the effects of others may add up over time, harming your dental health in the long run. Here are the top habits to quit — for your teeth’s sake.
Chewing ice. This seems harmless enough because it’s sugar-free and all natural, but the cold and hardness of the cubes can actually do damage to your teeth by chipping or cracking them.
Using your teeth as a tool. Have you ever used your teeth to open a bag or a bottle? Then, you’re guilty of this habit. Leave the teeth out of these activities and you’ll keep them in your mouth longer.
Drinking soda. Soda is full of sugary and acidic, even sugar-free soda is acidic and harmful to teeth.
Daily consumption of one or more soda products can bathe your teeth in decay-causing fluid. Juice and alcohol aren’t much better. Drink water instead it’s healthiest for your teeth.
Nail biting is bad for your teeth, not only does it endanger your health by introducing germs and viruses into your system, it can also cause your teeth to move out of place and, in rare instances, the tooth enamel can splinter. Clip your nails properly and keep them out of your mouth.
Tongue piercings may be trendy but they’re not teeth-friendly. Biting down on a metal stud can crack a tooth. Lip piercings pose similar risks. The metal rubbing against the gums can cause gum damage that can lead to tooth loss. Lots of bacteria live in the mouth so piercings can increase the risk of infection…so think twice before getting that tongue or lip pierced.
Snacking on starchy junk foods. Snacking produces less saliva than eating a full meal leaving the residue from the food in your mouth longer. Starchy snacks, like chips, pretzels and crackers, can produce a buildup of partially chewed food in your teeth. Minimizing junk foods helps improve your oral and physical health.
Chewing on pens or pencils. Just like with chewing on ice, this habit can cause teeth to crack or chip. Go for the sugarless gum if you feel the urge to chew on something. It will trigger saliva flow which makes teeth stronger and protects against enamel-eating acids.
Smoking cigarettes. Tobacco wreaks havoc on teeth. It stains them and can cause them to fall out as a result of gum disease. Tobacco is also a cause of cancer to the mouth, lips and tongue.
For more information on Oral Health contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com or call us at 305 280 2272