Habits That Can Cause Tooth Damage

Are there bad habits I should avoid to prevent teeth damage?

tooth damage by chewing on a pencil tooth damage Habits That Can Cause Tooth Damage tooth damage by chewing on a pencilChewing on Things

Many people have a habit of chewing on things, especially when they are focused on a task or stressed. Common victims of nervous chewing habits are pens and pencils.

Will chewing on pencils damage my teeth?

Chewing on pencils, pens or other hard items can chip or crack your teeth.

Is chewing gum good for my teeth?

Chewing sugary gum can be very bad for your teeth, bathing them in sugar that bacteria feeds on; it increases your risk of developing plaque and tooth decay. However, many studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum triggers the production of saliva to prevent tooth damage as a result of cavities.

Is chewing on ice okay for my teeth?

Ice is natural and contains no sugar, but, like other hard objects, chewing on it can chip or crack your teeth. It can also irritate the soft tissue inside your teeth, leading to increased sensitivity and pain that can be sharp and quick or a lingering toothache.

If you have a habit of chewing on things, ice included, prevent tooth damage by switching to sugarless gum.

How bad is biting my nails?

Biting your nails is not only hard on your teeth and cause tooth damage, it also increases the risk of infection.

How can I stop grinding my teeth?

Teeth grinding is usually a result of stress and sleeping habits. While you can work at training yourself to stop grinding your teeth during the day, you cannot control grinding your teeth while you sleep; wear a mouth guard to prevent tooth damage at night. Stress management techniques can help both day- and night-time bruxism, a big word for teeth grinding.

Opening Things with Your Teeth

Do you ever open plastic packaging or bottles with your teeth? It may be convenient, but the damage you could do will not be. If you want to limit your chances of cracking or chipping a tooth, use your teeth only for eating. Use scissors or a bottle opener to prevent tooth damage from using your teeth as tools.

Snacking

Which type of candy is worst for my teeth?

While no candy is good for teeth, which is worst is a good question. Gummy candies not only promote tooth decay by bathing your teeth in sugar, they can also remain stuck to your teeth for hours, trapping sugar and the resulting acids where they can keep damaging your tooth enamel.

How do potato chips damage teeth?

Bacteria does not just eat and break down simple sugars to acid, it also likes starchy foods. When starchy foods are stuck to your teeth, the resulting acid is there to damage your teeth longer. Starch is bad enough, but paired with how easily foods like potato chips get stuck in your teeth, they are one of the worst snack choices for your teeth. To minimize potential damage, brush and floss after eating snacks like potato chips.

If chewing gum can help prevent tooth damage, can snacking be good for my teeth?

While chewing sugarless gum for twenty minutes following meals may reduce your chance of tooth decay, snacking does not work the same. Snacking does not produce as much saliva as eating an entire meal, which can leave food stuck in your teeth producing acid for hours. Avoid snacking too often, and choose snacks that are low in sugar and starch.

What if I have already suffered noticeable tooth damage?

See your dentist as soon as possible! If you do not have one, get one! In the Watertown, Belmont, Cambridge and Newton, Massachusetts area, you can trust Watertown Dentistry to repair and preserve your beautiful smile.

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