6 everyday habits that you don’t realize are harming your teeth
And what you can do to correct them!
As a dentist practicing in a developing country where dental health care is considered a luxury rather than a necessity, I routinely come across all sorts of oral issues: ranging from poor hygiene to (in my opinion) cases of criminal negligence.
In many such cases, the blame cannot be placed squarely on the patient for this lack of care, because they are simply unable to afford the cost of treatment.
Bear in mind that Dentistry here in Pakistan and much of the developing world is much cheaper than that in the wealthier economies. However, for a large segment of our population, it is still beyond their means.
At times, however, a patient’s dental problems are caused, not by negligence but due to unawareness and indulgence in certain seemingly harmless habits that may cause a great deal of harm to their dentition.
Below is a list of said habits that I always take care to educate all my patients on. Because timely identification and correction helps save a lot of expense and is also important for the physical and emotional well being of the patient.
Read on to see whether you too might be unknowingly indulging in these habits and how you can correct them to improve your oral health.
1. Aggressive brushing or scrubbing:
If I had a Rs 100 for each time a patient told me they were using a ‘hard-bristled toothbrush to ensure thorough cleaning’. *sighs*
Most people don’t realize that aggressive brushing and use of hard bristles and/or abrasive toothpaste causes premature wear of the tooth enamel leading to a host of problems including sensitivity, staining, and tooth decay.
The dentist recommends: brushing twice a day, every day, for 2 mins using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a good quality fluoride toothpaste.
2. Frequent consumption of sugary drinks or foods:
Do you know that with regards to dental health, the frequency of intake of sugary foods matters more than the quantity?
Each time you intake sugar, bacteria in the mouth break it down into acid that dissolves the tooth’s surface and leads to cavities. Each acid attack lasts for about 20 seconds and is renewed with each bite or sip of food and drink that you consume. The more times you eat throughout the day the more the opportunity for the acid to harm your teeth.
Pro tip: Avoid snacking throughout the day. Instead, try to eat wholesome meals at proper, fixed times. If you’re a fan of sodas and sweets indulge in them alongside your main meals to prevent excessive exposure to sugar.
3. Nail-biting:
This particular habit is not only bad for your teeth, causing an increased likelihood of chipping and micro-fractures but also adversely affects your jaw; the frequent improper jaw positioning during nail-biting can lead to jaw pain and dysfunction.
The dentist recommends: Avoiding triggers that cause you to nail bite and seeking help to reduce stress.
4. Tooth grinding:
Some people have a habit of clenching or grinding their teeth in stress or anger. Then there are the night time grinders or bruxers who unknowingly grind their teeth during sleep.
Bruxism is a known cause of temporomandibular joint pain and tenderness. Grinding can also cause microfractures and weakening of tooth enamel resulting in chipping and tooth fracture.
What you can do: If either you or your partner experiences nocturnal bruxism, consult with your dentist; he/she can provide you with a nighttime mouth guard which will help relive tenderness caused by grinding and prevent further tooth damage.
Bear in mind, however, that in case of grinding (and other parafunctional habits like nail-biting) — stress reduction is key! Practice relaxation exercises and meditation, and if needed seek counseling.
5. Using your teeth for cutting/tearing:
How many times have you needed to open a package and instead of doing the reasonable thing i.e. going and grabbing a pair of scissors, you instead chose the more convenient option — your teeth? If you answered ‘more than once’, know that I’m giving you the old’ dentist side-eye.
Your teeth are not tools, they were never meant to be used as tools. Thus each time you use them as such you run the risk of fracturing them, injuring your oral tissues, or even accidentally swallowing something you shouldn’t.
The dentist demands: that you go grab that pair of scissors and you do it now.
6. Chewing Ice:
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I’m going to reiterate: chipping, microfractures, enamel damage! Need I say more?
What to do: Cool it with the ice crunching. Instead, consider chewing on something healthier yet equally satisfying such as apples or raw vegetables like carrots and celery.
