Bad Dental Habits You Need To Avoid

A nice smile is something that most people take for granted. As time goes by, the risk of your teeth getting damaged increases substantially. Failing to take care of your teeth is a mistake that can come back to haunt you. Not only do you need to brush and floss on a daily basis, you will also need to break bad dental habits to avoid damage to your smile.

Every year, thousands of dental emergencies take place in the United States. Many of these emergencies can be chalked up to ongoing dental mistakes made by the patient. Read below to find out about some bad dental habits you need to avoid.

Chewing Ice Can Do a Number On Your Teeth

If you are like most people, you consume a few iced beverages on a daily basis. Once you are done consuming the liquid in your cup, chewing on the ice might seem tempting. Some people view eating ice as a harmless habit, but this is not true. In reality, chewing ice can damage your teeth. The cold from the ice can create microscopic fractures in the tooth.

These fractures will usually go unnoticed for a long time. Eventually, these microscopic fractures can weaken your teeth and cause damage. Instead of putting your teeth at risk, it is time to stop chewing ice. While this habit might be hard to break, it is definitely worth the effort invested.

Consuming Too Much Sugar

The average American diet is filled with sugar. In fact, most American adults consume up to 77 grams of sugar on a daily basis. This is equivalent to over 60 lbs. of sugar a year. Not only can too much sugar be bad for your body, it can also lead to significant damage being done to your teeth. Consuming too much sugar can lead to lots of plaque building up on your teeth.

If you want to keep your teeth and gums in pristine shape, you need to work on eliminating sugar-filled foods and sodas from your diet. Ideally, you want to replace these dangerous substances with fresh vegetables and fruits. With the addition of fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet, you can provide your teeth with the nutrients they need to thrive.

Avoid Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth

Did you realize that clenching and grinding your teeth can wear them down over time? Not only can this bad habit be harmful to your teeth, it can also damage your gums. Some people grind their teeth while sleeping. If you notice that you have started doing this in your sleep, it is time to take action. The best way to avoid grinding your teeth at night is by investing in a night guard. These guards will protect your teeth and can help you stop this bad habit.

Are you making one or more of the mistakes mentioned in this article? If you answered yes, it is time to make some changes. By avoiding these bad habits, you can keep your smile straight and damage-free.