There are certain habits or activities that can wreck your teeth, damage your jaw and ruin your oral health. These habits must be eliminated from your life as soon as possible because your teeth are one of those cherished things that you just cannot afford to lose. So here is the list of habits that you need to avoid as they wreck your teeth.
Chewing on Ice
Chewing on ice may appear to be a harmless habit but it can completely damage your teeth with tiny cracks. Over time these cracks may grow larger and ultimately lead to a tooth fracture. Resist the temptations to chew on ice and avoid drinks with ice instead go for chilled drinks.
Playing Sports without Mouth Guard
Wearing a mouthguard when you are going on the field to play a game is as important as wearing a helmet when you are riding a bike. These protective body and mouth gear have a purpose and that is to keep you safe from potential risks during games. Your teeth are vulnerable to falling out or being damaged from high impact sports such as soccer, hockey, cricket etc. Sports guard helps to cushion the hard blows that may be received by your teeth or jaw.
Bedtime Bottles
These might be effective tools to get your baby to sleep but the fact is that bedtime bottles can increase the risk of early decay in children. Prolonged exposure to sugar contents may lead to decay of the enamel. Also, bedtime bottles and your child’s constant sucking on the bottle can damage the jaw structure.
Tongue Piercings
Tongue piercings are highly discouraged by the dentists as they can cause teeth to chip or break during the dental process. Piercings can also rub against the gums and cause gum recession. Mouth jewelry is known to build up bacteria in the mouth resulting in an unhealthy mouth environment.
Teeth Grinding
Grinding teeth or clenching teeth is a disorder known as “Bruxism” which happens at night. It puts immense pressure on teeth and jaw leading to pain. It is recommended that affected people should wear a custom made mouthguard at night in order to prevent the damage and also reduce the pressure on teeth.
Soda Obsession
High sugar and acid content is a horrible duo for the teeth. Frequent drinking of soda bathes the teeth in sugar and leads to dental decay. Also increased exposure to soda can lead to tooth enamel erosion. It is best to avoid sodas and if you must drink them, then it is advised to lessen the frequency. After drinking, rinse your mouth with water. You can also protect your teeth by drinking acidic beverages with straws.
All these habits and much more contribute to tooth erosion, enamel destruction and a poor oral health which is why it is best to avoid them as much as possible.
