Top 5 bad habits: how to avoid these common dental mistakes
Crunching and sipping
- So many people especially in the summer have the bad habit of eating ice cubes. Common Dental Mistakes of crunching down on ice cubes can actually cause tiny fractures in your tooth’s enamel, only costing you $$$$ down the road?
- If you are someone who really likes to eat ice, use crushed ice…it’s still not recommended by many dentists; however, it is recommended over the alternative.
- Sipping on sugary drinks, ie. juices and soda pop all day long. Did you know that by drinking these just out of a bottle or a glass is actually causing more damage to your teeth?
- It is advised that you drink water throughout the day rather than these sugar laden beverages; however, if you are still going to drink them, drink through a straw that is positioned towards your throat and as far away from your teeth as possible. DO NOT hold the drink in your mouth and swish it around before swallowing.
Using teeth as tools
How often do you find yourself without a pair of scissors or pliers when you need them? Well, this is a common situation that many people find themselves in. Instead of looking for the proper tool, they have the habit of using their teeth to do the job. Opening a bag of chips or candy, opening a pop bottle, ripping a tag off a clothing item, and the list can go on and on.
- It is advised NOT to use your teeth for these purposes. Think twice before putting something in your mouth that can do nothing good, just cause damage. Always, know where you keep the simple tools that you will need, or just wait until you have something that can be used.
Tooth Grinding
This is an issue that is hard to avoid. Most people often do this during the night and can’t consciously change those habits. However, those same people, and many other also do it during the day, either due to stress, habit or a misalignment of teeth/improper bite.
- To help aid in the grinding of your teeth and to help keep you from wearing your teeth down you may want to discuss a mouth guard with your dentist for at night while you are sleeping. And if you are finding that your grinding is due to stress during the day, find yourself a release. A daily exercise routine, or even possible some counselling will help you.
Hard bristles tooth brushes
Some people believe that using a firmer bristled brush will actually clean better. This is not the case! It actually can cause more damage to your gums, and cause more sensitivity due to damaging the enamel.
- Talk to your hygienist or dentist to find out which toothbrush is the best for your teeth and current oral health. They are the experts and that what they are here for!
Incorrect brushing, flossing and rinsing
Brushing: Yes, most people brush every day; however, many of those same people do not brush frequently enough. Also, the average person does not change the head of their electric toothbrush often enough, or if using manual, does not get a new one often enough.
- You should be brushing AT LEAST twice per day and changing out your toothbrush or toothbrush head at least every four months.
Flossing: People tend to only brush between the teeth that are easiest to reach, IF they floss at all. Most people don’t even floss regularily.
- You should be flossing AT LEAST once per day, especially at night to get all the last of the debris out before bed. Night time is a great time for bacteria to eat away at your mouth. If you aren’t sure if you are flossing correctly or need some tricks to reach those hard to get spots, please ask your hygienist or dentist at your next appointment. They are more than happy to assist with this.
Rinsing: Many people feel that as long as they have brushed and flossed, then there is no need to rinse their mouth. The truth is, even after a good floss and brush, chances are good there is still bacteria or particles floating around inside your mouth.
- It is recommended to rinse at least once, but mostly twice per day. After brushing twice a day just do a good swoosh. Antiseptic rinses help rid of bad breath and gum disease causing bacteria,, while fluoride rinses help to strengthen your teeth.
How many of these common bad habits do you do daily without even thinking twice? Please be sure to ask anyone at our office if you require any assistance correcting these habits. We are here to help!