It is very important to develop good oral habits not just to keep that smile evergreen and beautiful but to also improve your overall health. You might be very serious about your dental health. You might go to your dentist multiple times in a year to get your teeth checked. You might even have good brushing and flossing habits. But, there are small bad dental habits that you need to focus on and change to protect your precious teeth. After all, small things matter the most. So, here are the top 6 bad dental habits that you need to change before it is too late:
- Biting your nails
Nail biting is associated with nervous behavioral patterns and can cause some serious damage to your teeth. It can seriously affect your jaw as well and lead to Jaw Dysfunction. It can be caused by long periods of the protruding position your jaw is in because of nail biting.
- Aggressive brushing
DO NOT brush your teeth vigorously like you are scrubbing them, think about it as a massage session and brush gently. Brushing properly for just 2 minutes twice a day is more than enough to secure the goo health of your teeth. Do not try too hard. Aggressive brushing leads to irritation of your gums, bleeding, gum recession and tooth damage. It is highly recommended to use soft-bristled toothbrush and prevent the usage of hard ones.
- Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw
Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw, which is also known as Bruxism can lead to some serious consequences if not checked. Like nail biting, this habit is also associated with nervousness or anxiety. It can lead to headaches, facial muscle pain as well as cause the wear and tear of your teeth. Many people who have this habit are not even aware that they are doing it and mind you, it is not a good thing!
- Using your teeth as tools
Your teeth are for chewing and grinding food for easy passage though the food pipe and a good digestive system, not for opening the cap of a coca cola or ripping that packet of chips. Such actions cause your tooth to break or chip as well as impose unnecessary pressure on them. If you do this, it is time for a change.
- Chewing of ice cubes
The collision of two hard materials like the enamel of the tooth and ice cubes can cause either of the two to break. It is the ice cubes that break most of the time, however, your tooth can break or chip too. Using a straw or having cold beverages without straw is the best solution to prevent this from happening.
- Snacking every now and then
If you constantly have snacks, especially sugary drinks and foods, it is high time that you put a check on it. It is because constant exposure of your teeth to sugar and acids can cause tooth decay or cavities. It is very important to wash down left over food with a big glass of water after having anything so as to prevent bacteria from feeding on what is left of the food you had. Having balanced meals can make you feel fuller for longer periods of time, so get rid of that constant habit of snacking.
Kicking out these bad habits can ensure a good dental health. This is why a self-check in necessary to analyze what is good for you and what is not. So, get rid of the bad habits and inculcate in you the good ones.