It is undeniable that everyone knows brushing twice daily is very important and good for our overall oral health. However, the daily choices we make and the habits we follow also affect our teeth. Many people do not understand the simple fact that even some small habits can slowly harm their teeth over time. Some habits such as chewing the ice cubes or drinking sugary drinks may feel very enjoyable. But these habits can cause serious dental issues like cavities, sensitivity or even break teeth with time. This is why it is very important to know these habits so that you can protect your smile and oral health in the long run. In this blog, we will discuss five common habits that damage your teeth and also some simple ways in which you can avoid them.
1. Chewing on Hard Objects
Many people admitted that they chew on pencil tips, ice cubes or similar hard objects after visiting our clinic in Rohini Sector 24. It is understandable that they do all this unintentionally without having enough knowledge of the dental care and realizing the damage that this particular habit can cause. These habits put too much pressure on your teeth, even if they may seem harmless. They can also cause tiny cracks in the enamel which makes your teeth weak and more likely to break over time.
How to avoid the habit of chewing on hard objects:
- You can chew sugar-free chewing gum instead of chewing hard objects if you can’t stop chewing on hard objects.
- You can drink water when you feel the urge to chew something, as it may distract you from chewing on some random hard things around you.
- If stress makes you chew on the hard objects, then you can try some relaxation activities like walking, reading books or light exercise.
2. Drinking Too Many Sugary Beverages
The consumption of the energy drinks and packaged juices has become common in our daily lives. These drinks contain high amounts of sugar and acids that can slowly damage the enamel of your teeth. Even regular tea and coffee, when consumed with excessive sugar can stain your teeth and cause cavities. We often receive so many complaints about tooth sensitivity and discolouration from the families that are living in Rohini Sector 24. It generally happens due to frequent consumption of sugary drinks.
How to limit the habit of drinking sugary beverages:
- The only way in which you can limit the intake of soft drinks and juices is to have them only on some special occasions.
- You can switch to healthy drinks such as coconut water, fresh lemon water or unsweetened herbal tea if you can’t control the urge to consume soft drinks.
- If you drink something super sweet, then rinse your mouth with plain water afterwards to reduce the acid attack and chances of cavities.
3. Using Teeth as Tools
Sometimes people use their teeth to open the bottle caps, tear the plastic packets or break the nutshells of dry fruits. This may look convenient at first but it puts unnecessary force on your teeth and jaw. This pressure can cause chips, cracks or even damage your dental fillings (if you have had them). Also, using teeth as tools increases the risk of unbearable pain in the jaw.
How to stop using our teeth in the place of convenient tools:
- You should keep a small pair of scissors or other helpful tools so you don’t have to depend on your teeth alone.
- If you already have a dental filling/crown treatment done, then be extra careful as using teeth as tools can damage them quickly.
- You should also teach your children not to copy such habits as they can damage their developing teeth.
4. Skipping Dental Hygiene at Night
We all know that brushing twice a day is very important to maintain good oral health. But many people brush their teeth only in the morning and skip brushing at night before they go to sleep. This is one of the common mistakes that can harm your oral health in the future. The reason is that food particles can get stuck between teeth at night which helps the bacteria to multiply and release acids that cause serious dental issues cavities. This habit of not brushing your teeth at night also leads to gum disease over time.
How to avoid skipping brushing before going to bed at night:
- You should make a strict rule for yourself that you will brush your teeth twice, no matter how tired you are.
- You should floss your teeth after brushing at night as it helps to remove particles that brushing alone cannot clean and stops the bacteria from multiplying.
- You can also use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel of your teeth.
The patients who visit our dental clinic in Rohini Sector 24 often admit that skipping brushing at night is a prominent reason behind their dental problems.
5. Grinding or Clenching Teeth
Grinding basically refers to moving your teeth back and forth tightly against each other. It usually happens when you are asleep but sometimes people do it intentionally when they are stressed. On the other hand, clenching means holding your upper and lower jaw together very tightly without moving them. It puts so much pressure on your jaw that it becomes harmful to your jaw and teeth. We have received many complaints from people in Rohini and nearby areas about teeth grinding and clenching. They don’t mind it at all until they start experiencing pain in their teeth or jaw which makes them visit their local dentist at the earliest.
How to get rid of grinding or clenching your teeth (intentionally or unintentionally):
- You should try some relaxation exercises like deep breathing or yoga if you clench your teeth during the day (intentionally or not).
- Your dentist may suggest using a custom-made night guard to protect your teeth from grinding at night if you grind your teeth at night (again, intentionally or not).
- Some healthy activities like walking or listening to soft music can also help reduce mental stress and stop the habit of grinding or clenching.
Additional Tips to Protect Your Teeth
You can also follow these easy practices for better oral health and hygiene apart from avoiding the above habits that we discussed:
- You should drink plenty of water during the day to wash away any food particles stuck between your teeth.
- You should eat crunchy fruits and vegetables that can help you to clean your teeth naturally.
- You should avoid smoking and tobacco products as they can cause stains, gum problems and even oral cancer.
- You should visit your local, nearest or family dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning, especially if you are living in Rohini Sector 24 where dental services are easily available to you.
Visiting your nearest dentist in your sector can help you prevent some major dental issues before they even start forming.
Final Thoughts
We have discussed above that if you want to have strong teeth and maintain your oral health, you need to follow some healthy oral hygiene habits every day. You should avoid certain habits like chewing on the hard objects, having sugary drinks and packaged juices, using your teeth as tools and not brushing before going to bed every night. These small oral hygiene habits can help you to keep your smile bright and healthy.
At Sai Dental Clinic, Rohini Sector 24, we are known for having experienced doctors, providing quality service by using modern equipment and following a friendly approach while treating patients. You can rely on us for advanced and reliable dental services whether you live in Rohini Sector 23 or Rohini Sector 25. Our focus has always been on helping our patients maintain optimum oral health and smile brighter with full confidence.