7 Bad Dental Health Care Habits to Break This Summer

You may brush your teeth twice a day, floss when you remember to, and visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings, but chances are your dental care is being compromised by one or more bad habits that you may not even realize you're performing.

Crunching Ice and Sipping Soda

It's no big secret that sugary sodas are bad for your teeth, but sometimes the effects are made worse simply by the act of drinking them. When sipped directly from a glass, the liquid is exposed to a greater surface area of your teeth. Using a straw will help, but avoiding sugary sodas and drinks is the best option.

Another harmful habit some people can't help but shake is crunching leftover ice that remains in a glass, popcorn kernels, or pits of fruit. Crunching these stiff, solid items places a tremendous amount of strain on your teeth and jaw, leading to possible dental complications into the future.

Teeth as Tools

If you've ever torn away at some packaging with your teeth and come away with a bit of pain, you should take that as a warning sign. When you use your teeth to rip or pull away at something, they may become traumatized or weakened by the external pressure. So the next time you feel the need to rid your shirt of an uncomfortable tag, hunt down a pair of scissors or a decent multi-tool - the extra effort will go a long way and your teeth with certainly thank you.

Grinding

Grinding isn't so much a bad habit as it is an involuntary action that may have several underlying causes to blame. Whether you're grinding your teeth at night or during the day, teeth grinding wears down enamel and adds undue pressure on your jaw. While physical abnormalities may cause grinding, stress and anxiety are also contributing factors. Your dentist may recommend a custom-molded mouth guard to wear at night, which may help to ease pressure on your jaw and prevent TMD/TMJ-related symptoms.

Not Flossing Enough

You should floss at least once per day, but ideally, brushing and flossing should go hand in hand. According to several studies, flossing is safer and more effective at cleaning teeth - especially for those experiencing gingival inflammation. If you're concerned about your flossing technique or unsure where to start, consult with your dentist during your next checkup.

Not Brushing Effectively

Many people think that brushing harder for longer durations will improve the appearance and health of their teeth. In actuality, brushing harder and more vigorously can be damaging to your enamel, resulting in increased tooth sensitivity and other complications. Choosing a gentler-bristled brush (or an electric toothbrush) can help control the intensity of the brushing, gently cleaning your teeth and polishing your enamel.

Inadequate brushing is also common problem among children. To say that many young children don't fully appreciate the importance of dental care would be a gross understatement, meaning it’s up to parents to take the lead on proper brushing techniques. If you're struggling to instill a sense of importance to your child's routine brushing, there are plenty of tips available to help improve brushing technique and duration.

Ignoring Bad Breath

With the prevalence of breath-freshening products, gums, and mints, it can be easy to mask - or completely ignore - halitosis. Otherwise known as chronic bad breath, halitosis isn't just an annoying condition to be kept in check by a pack of cheap gum. Halitosis can be a sign of diabetes, heart disease, or even liver disease. However, bad breath is also a common sign that you're not giving enough attention to your dental health, meaning it may be time to talk to your dentist about tips to improve your oral health.

Using Harmful Whitening Products

Everyone's smile is unique and individual, meaning different oral care solutions will perform differently for everyone. Before investing in a comprehensive, off-the-shelf whitening solution, consult with your dentist. While most whitening products you find at the store are safe for unsupervised use, whitening strips, gel trays, and pastes with hydrogen peroxide solution can irritate sensitive gums and make brushing or eating painful. Your dentist will have a better idea of what solutions to use based on the condition and health of your mouth, but investigating some natural whitening alternatives may yield surprising results. 

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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