Stop crunching on those seemingly innocent ice cubes. They’re damaging your teeth! You can brush your teeth twice a day, visit your dentist regularly, stay away from sugary foods, and still damage your teeth with habits like ice cube chewing.
Here are common habits to watch out for.
Ice chewing
It’s best to kick this habit if you want to avoid a broken tooth or filling! Ice can also cause damage to your teeth enamel and cause increased teeth sensitivity.
Sports drinks
The high acid content in sports drinks is extremely damaging to tooth enamel. As tooth enamel becomes weakened, they’ll be more susceptible to bacteria and tooth decay. Sports drinks typically have high sugar content which can also cause cavities.
Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding is when you clench or grind your teeth unconsciously while awake or asleep. The most common reason for grinding one’s teeth is stress or anxiety. Continuous teeth grinding can lead to fractured, loose and weakened teeth.
Using the wrong toothbrush/toothpaste
It’s important to use the right toothpaste and toothbrush for your teeth. For example, if you have sensitive teeth, opt for a toothpaste made for tooth sensitivity. Also, keep track of how long you’ve used your toothbrush. It’s recommended by dentists to buy a new toothbrush every three months, or after you’ve been sick.
Nail biting
Once started, this can be a tough habit to beat. But if continued, nail biting can lead to gum disease, as bacteria may get caught under fingernails and transferred to your mouth. It can also cause a tooth grinding habit.
Want to start a habit that’s good for your teeth? Schedule your dental cleanings with Jackson Dental by calling (573) 243-5200 or stopping by our office at 3100 E Jackson Blvd., Jackson, Mo.