Everyone wants to take good care of their teeth—you only get one original adult set, after all. But some unhealthy habits might be causing you to accidentally damage your teeth and eroding your enamel. Below are 5 things to watch out for.
Most dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day for about two or three minutes. However, brushing too often or too hard can irritate your gums and hurt your enamel. That is why we recommend using a soft-bristle brush and brushing in a gentle circular pattern. Think of it as “massaging” rather than “scrubbing” your teeth.
Nail biting isn’t just bad for your hands, it’s bad for your teeth, too. It could also be straining your jaw, too. Nail biting is also a great way to introduce the bacteria on your hands into your mouth—so to preserve your all-around health, try ending this bad habit by painting your nails with a nail biting deterrent.
Never use your teeth as scissors, bottle openers or pliers! Using your teeth for anything other than chewing can result in a cracked, chipped or damaged tooth—which will require an expensive and painful repair!
Sugary, carbonated beverages put you at a high risk of developing cavities, as they produce an acidic reaction that damages your enamel. Coffee, wine, and balsamic vinegar can also stain your teeth.
If you are guilty of any of these bad teeth habits, make sure to make an appointment with your local dentist! If you need a general dentist in Charlotte, contact Park Cedar Dentistry today.
