We all know that teeth grinding, lax dental hygiene and smoking
adversely affects our oral health. What isn’t common knowledge are those
seemingly simple habits that we do every day but are actually contributing to
damaging our teeth and gums.
Curious to find out? Here are several ways you are ruining your mouth.
Using your teeth as tools
Using your teeth to tear meat apart is one thing. Using them to open
bottle caps and tear open a bag of chips is another. That’s why scissors and
bottle openers were invented: to cut and to open stuff so we won’t need to
fracture our teeth. Aside from chips, cracks or a damaged filling or crown,
this action can potentially break the teeth or create openings for tooth decay
to take hold.
Piercing your tongue, lips or cheeks
Although trendy, facial piercings can create dental complications.
Individuals with oral piercings may suffer from infection, swelling, and
bleeding of the lip, cheek, tongue or nearby tissues. It could further injure
your mouth causing gum recession and tooth fracture. So think long and hard
before deciding to get one. With all the trouble it can bring fort, make sure
to be careful and discuss proper management of the oral jewelry with your dentist.
Not wearing a mouth guard when playing sports
A mouth guard is named that way for one reason: to protect your mouth
from hard blows or impacts in the face. Whether you are a professional or an
amateur athlete, you should always wear a mouthguard, most especially in sports
like hockey or boxing where you could potentially be hit in the jaw. So invest
in one and avoid a big round of dental bills in the future. You can find
mouthguards being sold at sporting equipment stores but the best ones are the
customized guards that your dentist can create for you.
Chewing ice cubes
Every time you chew on ice, you are practically hammering your teeth.
Not only does it cause your tooth to break, crunching ice cubes can also
compromise your fillings or crowns as well as destroy your tooth enamel.
Sucking on throat lozenges
When you get a sore throat a cough drop is probably one of the first
things that would pop in your mind as a remedy. But it does not always work, at
least not for your mouth. Most lozenges are loaded with sugar setting you up
for tooth decay. Check the ingredient label and buy the one that’s low on
sugar.
Bleaching your teeth despite irritation
Too much of everything can be harmful. So if you notice some gum
irritation or feel that your teeth suddenly become a bit too sensitive when you
drink cold beverages, take your teeth-whitening treatments down a notch. Better
yet, seek your dentist for advice to lower the risk of further
complications.
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