1. Tobacco smoking and chewing
Do you smoke tobacco? Or do you like eating it? If you do, you endanger your teeth and gums.
Tobacco products contain harmful chemicals that can cause serious harm. Tobacco can discolor your teeth and make them loose and brittle. Not only that, but it can also cause gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.
2. Biting your nails
Nail biting isn’t necessarily harmful, but it can cause bad breath and even infections. If you bite your nails, the best thing you can do is break the habit. It will not be easy, but it will be well worth it in the end. Here are a few pointers that might be useful:
• Keep your nails short to reduce the temptation to bite them.
• When you feel the urge to bite your nails, chew on gum.
3. Making use of your teeth as tools
You may be unaware, but using your teeth as tools can cause significant damage to your pearly whites.
Using them to open a tight jar lid or tear open a package, for example, can result in chips and fractures in your teeth. And if you like to crunch on ice, you’re putting a lot of pressure on your teeth and potentially exposing them to cracks and fractures. The force required to crunch on ice is enough to damage your enamel.
4. clenching your teeth
Do you ever wake up at night with your teeth clenched? Don’t be concerned; you’re not alone. Many people grind their teeth without even realizing it. Grinding your teeth is a sign of stress and can lead to serious dental problems. It can cause your teeth to wear down and even crack over time. Not to mention that it can harm your gums.
There are a few things you can do if you find yourself grinding your teeth. First, try to unwind before going to bed. If that doesn’t work, you should consider wearing a nightguard.
5. Excessive sugar consumption
Although it may seem obvious, eating too much sugar is one of the worst things you can do for your teeth and gums. Sugary drinks and foods can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can lead to serious health issues.
6. Inadequate brushing
You may believe you are brushing your teeth properly, but chances are you are not. Most of us believe that all we need to do is brush our teeth twice a day for two minutes. However, this is insufficient.
The truth is that you must use the proper technique and do it at the appropriate time. For example, never brush your teeth immediately after eating. Brushing right after consuming something acidic can damage the enamel layer of the tooth. Waiting 30 minutes before brushing allows tooth enamel to remineralize and rebuild.
Furthermore, brushing your teeth too hard can wear down the enamel on your teeth. This can lead to cavities and even tooth loss over time. Brushing too hard can also cause gum damage, which can lead to gingivitis and other problems. So, how do you know if you’re brushing too vigorously? If brushing causes a lot of pain or bleeding, you’re probably brushing too hard. Use a softer toothbrush, or read this article to learn how to brush your teeth properly.
7. Failure to floss
Not flossing is bad for your teeth and gums. But many people are unaware of how bad it can get. Flossing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and it only takes a minute or two each day.
Flossing removes plaque and bacteria that a toothbrush cannot reach between your teeth and under your gums. Failure to floss can result in a variety of issues, including gum inflammation, tooth decay, and even periodontal disease. Just be careful not to floss too hard. Too much flossing can cause your gums to recede over time. When this happens, you will begin to experience tooth pain because the exposed areas of the tooth have thin enamel. In severe cases, the tooth’s root may be exposed, causing even more tooth pain.
8. Toothpick Misapplication
Toothpicks were invented to remove the gunk that had become lodged between the teeth. Misusing toothpicks, on the other hand, can result in enamel damage and surface scratches on the teeth. Furthermore, shoving a toothpick deep within a tooth crack causes the teeth to shift and form gaps.
9. insufficient hydration
Proper hydration is a little-known secret to healthy teeth. Drinking a glass of water helps wash away food particles, bacteria, and acid from your mouth when brushing is not an option. Drinking water after consuming stain-causing foods (such as red wine or coffee) will also rinse away tannins and other stain-causing chemicals, allowing your teeth to remain whiter.
Your teeth, like your body, can become dehydrated as a result of inadequate hydration or mouth-breathing. Hydration is essential for keeping your teeth (and gums) healthy and strong.
10. Excessive Coffee Consumption
Coffee, like cigarettes and tobacco, can stain your teeth. Increasing your sugar intake and drinking several cups of coffee per day can cause your teeth to become dull and yellow. Sugar can also increase your chances of developing tooth decay.
