It’s important for me to take care of my smile, especially given that I paid thousands to straighten my teeth and I haven’t always been proud of how my teeth look. Your teeth can affect your confidence level and influence many other aspects of your life. However, certain habits can damage your teeth, negatively affecting your quality of life. Here are four to avoid and how to correct them.
Chewing ice
Chewing ice can harm oral health. The ice’s hardness can make your teeth crack, chip or break. It can damage your tooth enamel, exposing your teeth to decay and other dental problems.
Experts advise replacing ice chewing with sucking an unsweetened Popsicle or a piece of frozen fruit. You can also consider eating slush to satisfy your ice cravings.
Brushing your teeth too hard
It may seem surprising, but brushing your teeth too hard can damage them instead of protecting them. This habit can lead to enamel wear and gum recession, increasing your teeth’s sensitivity. Fortunately, you don’t have to brush too hard to eliminate dirt from your mouth; you only need to do it correctly.
Too much sugar
Sugar can be addictive, so consume it in moderation. Studies indicate that sugar is directly linked to tooth decay.
Also gum disease and infections can also occur if your teeth are not well aligned. Talk to a reputable dentist if you’re experiencing any of these issues, as they can inspect your teeth for signs of infection and help. There are many ways to straighten teeth without braces to achieve a perfect smile. And if sugar is the cause, several alternatives to sugar are available, especially if you have a sweet tooth.
You also want to visit your dentist if you already have sugar-related tooth problems.
Using your teeth as an opener
Don’t ever use your teeth as an opener. Popping bottle caps and opening packages with your teeth can cause them to break or chip, which can be painful. You can also injure your gums, lips, tongue, and other mouth areas.
You can always improvise if you don’t have the right devices to open items. For instance, you can open your bottle cap with a countertop edge, belt buckle, or a key instead to avoid hurting your teeth.