Did you know chewing on ice can damage your pearly whites? While you may enjoy crunching on the ice after finishing your juice or soda, doing so can break, chip, or wear away at teeth enamel.
Most adults have 32 permanent teeth, though some people are born with fewer or extra teeth. To keep your teeth healthy, ensure your oral health program includes brushing, using mouthwash, flossing, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups.
But even if you do all of the above as part of a good dental care routine, your teeth may still be in trouble if you do the following four things.
- Nail Biting
While most people outgrow biting their nails, it becomes a life-long habit for others. The problem with this seemingly innocent activity is that it can be bad for your teeth.Â
Whether you bite your nails out of habit or nervousness, remember your nails are tough enough to chip or crack your teeth. Always use a nail clipper—rather than your teeth—to trim your nails.
- Smoking Tobacco
According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 46 million U.S. adults in 2021 reported using tobacco products. While most people know smoking is bad for their overall health, they might not understand the negative impact on their teeth. For instance, cigarettes can stain your pearly whites and dial back the aesthetics of your smile a few notches.
Smoking cigarettes can also cause gum disease, tooth loss, and other problems. Even more severe, it can increase the risk of developing oral cancers. Johns Hopkins Medicine, for example, says smokers are 10 times more likely than non-smokers to develop oral cancer.Â
It adds that smoking is connected to heightened risks of getting more than a dozen other kinds of cancer. Moreover, smoking cigarettes contributes to almost one in five deaths in the U.S. That’s no surprise since cigarettes contain 60+ cancer-causing substances.Â
If you smoke, it’s worth the effort to kick the habit. See your doctor if you need help, as they can help you put a quitting plan in place if you’re ready to stop smoking.Â
- Using a Stiff Toothbrush
Did you know you can harm your teeth if your toothbrush is too stiff or if you brush your teeth too vigorously? Brushing your teeth two or three times daily is ideal, but make sure your toothbrush’s bristles aren’t too rigid. Otherwise, you might irritate your gums, wear away enamel, and increase sensitivity.Â
Get yourself a toothbrush with appropriate bristles—and don’t be too aggressive—to clean your teeth, tongue, and gums. Check with your dentist for a recommendation for a toothbrush that will work well for you.
- Eating Too Often
While it’s common knowledge that eating too much and too frequently isn’t good for your health, being a habitual snacker can also boost your risk of developing cavities. This is especially true if you enjoy nibbling on sugary stuff day in and day out.
According to Healthline, most females require a minimum of 1,600 daily calories daily to maintain an ideal weight. Males, meanwhile, require a minimum of 2,000 calories daily. Adjust your caloric intake depending on your activity level, and consider seeing a nutritionist if you’re curious about your unique metabolic profile. Generally, your goal should be to avoid consuming too many calories.Â
In addition to watching how much and how often you eat, you must be mindful of what types of food and drink you consume. Sugary and fatty foods are typically higher in calories and are more likely to contribute to oral health challenges, like cavities.
Nip Bad Habits in the Bud for the Sake of Your Teeth
Whether nail biting, smoking cigarettes, using a stiff toothbrush, or eating too frequently, you’ll do your teeth more harm than good if you’re not careful. Avoiding bad habits can help you safeguard your teeth and enjoy good overall dental health.