Table of contents:
- Bad habits that can make teeth damaged
- 1. Opening something with your teeth
- 2. Chew ice cubes
- 3. Brushing your teeth too hard
- 4. Biting a pencil
- 5. Grind your teeth
- 6. Use a toothpick
- 7. Brushing your teeth after eating acidic foods
- 8. Thumb sucking
- 9. Lazy to go to the dentist
Maintaining healthy teeth and mouth is a must. Unfortunately, some people may tend to think that only bad habits such as smoking and drinking coffee can cause tooth decay. In fact, there are many daily habits that can unwittingly damage teeth. Are you curious about what bad habits can damage your teeth? Read on to find out.
Bad habits that can make teeth damaged
Here are some bad habits that you may often do that can cause tooth decay.
1. Opening something with your teeth
Unscrewing bottles or plastic containers with your teeth is probably one of the most common bad habits to do. In fact, this one bad habit makes your teeth break down quickly. The reason is, using teeth as a tool to open something can cause teeth to crack and break. Instead, you can use scissors or a bottle opener. In essence, your teeth should only be used for eating, not as a tool for opening things.
2. Chew ice cubes
For some people, chewing ice cubes may feel good because of the cold sensation, especially in the middle of a hot day. However, the ice cubes that you chew, can damage your teeth, you know. The reason is, the hard texture of ice cubes can cause tooth enamel damage and can crack teeth and reduce tooth strength to several degrees. It's a good idea to leave this habit so that your teeth stay healthy.
3. Brushing your teeth too hard
Using a toothbrush with hard bristles and brushing your teeth too hard can permanently remove protective enamel. This is what triggers sensitive teeth and cavities, and causes the gums to thin. It's a good idea to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothbrush with a slim head so that it is easy to move around in the mouth. Also, choose a long brush handle that can reach your back molars.
4. Biting a pencil
Have you ever accidentally bit the tip of a pencil while concentrating while studying or working? Like chewing ice, this habit can cause tooth decay or cracking. Instead, you can eat candy or gum without sugar. Because this will trigger the flow of saliva which can make your teeth stronger and protect the acidic acid of your tooth enamel. Apart from biting a pencil, another bad habit that can damage teeth is nail biting. Nail biting causes tooth decay or fracture of the front teeth. In addition, germs and bacteria from under the nails can enter the mouth and cause cavities or gum infections.
5. Grind your teeth
Some people have the habit of grinding their teeth. This often occurs at night when you are asleep, especially in the subconscious or conscious state. This habit known as bruxism can cause jaw joint pain, headaches and severe toothaches. Usually this response occurs because of emotional stress.
6. Use a toothpick
When used properly, toothpicks can indeed help clean up food debris stuck in the teeth. However, if not used properly, using a toothpick will actually hurt your gums. The reason is that when you continue to poke between your teeth to remove leftover food particles, it will cause erosion and also bleeding. If this continues it can cause damage to the entire tooth.
7. Brushing your teeth after eating acidic foods
If you like to suck lemons, drink water or milk immediately to neutralize the sour taste. The reason is, the citric acid content in lemons can destroy important minerals from the teeth and erode the outer surface of the teeth. If this is done continuously, tooth enamel will thin and make teeth become damaged. It would be better if you brush your teeth 30 minutes after eating.
8. Thumb sucking
Thumb-sucking may be more common in young children. If done continuously, this habit can cause permanent changes in the structure of the teeth and jaw. In particular, thumb sucking can cause a shift in the teeth that results in chewing difficulties and breathing problems. That is why, don't let your little one do this bad habit continuously.
9. Lazy to go to the dentist
Some people will probably go to the dentist only after they really have a toothache. In fact, one way to maintain dental health is to regularly go to the dentist. It is advisable to do a dental check at least every 6 months. By carrying out regular examinations, it is hoped that it can reduce the risk of tooth decay and be able to immediately deal with tooth decay before it becomes severe.
