Good dental hygiene is crucial when practicing dental care. However, the positive things you’re doing for your teeth may not be making a difference if you’ve taken up bad habits. Some of these habits you may not even know are harming your teeth. Parkcrest Dental breaks down the five worst habits you can have when it comes to your teeth.
White Wine
You’ve probably heard before that red wine has been known to stain your teeth. While white wine doesn’t stain your teeth it can still cause some damage. White wine is high in acidity and contains high contents of sugar, meaning it can break down your tooth enamel. Limiting your white wine consumption is a good way to avoid this danger, or by rinsing with mouthwash and brushing after consumption.
Nail Biting
A common habit people have taken up due to stress or nervousness may be nail biting. While it sounds harmless, your nails contain many germs. Think about everything your hands have touched and what has lodged itself under your nails before. Most likely bacteria has lodged itself into the hard to reach places under your nails. Be sure to wash your hands frequently and try to manage your nail biting.
Tooth Picks
While toothpicks are an effective method to remove food lodged in your teeth, when used incorrectly they can cause gum damage. Poke too hard and you may create open scratches and sores in your mouth where bacteria can invade. If you have food stuck in a difficult spot, try using floss or regular brushing to dislodge it first before using toothpicks.
Chewing On Ice
Whether you’re quenching your thirst or just in the habit of chewing on ice after you finish your beverage, it’s not a good habit to keep up with. Because it is sugarless and natural, ice may seem healthy to chew on. Chewing ice can cause cracks in your tooth enamel. Although not obvious at the time, these cracks can become a bigger problem later in life when it comes to braces, fillings and crowns and cause your teeth to deteriorate.
Drinking Soda
Soda is one of the leading causes of tooth decay due to its high acidity, sugar, and its ability to soften tooth enamel. Even just drinking one soda a day can significantly soften your tooth enamel. Substituting one soda for water or milk can greatly improve your dental health and lower your risk for cavities.
Make An Appointment With Parkcrest Dental
Think you’ve developed a bad habit that’s damaging your oral health? Make an appointment with Parkcrest Dental. The average person schedules two dentist appointments a year to get check-ups on their oral health. Contact us today or visit us at our Springfield, MO, location to get started with scheduling your visit.
