…biting and chewing food, talking, giving your face its structure. Period! Tooth enamel seems like a hard surface, but it’s not made to withstand excess pressure or habits that erode it.
At Dr. Jim Williams’ dental office in Douglasville, we hear a lot of bad habits! Do any of these actions sound familiar?
● Crunching and sipping
Now that may sound like what teeth are made for, but we’re talking about crunching things like ice cubes, or even popcorn kernels. Bite down on them the wrong way, and you could end up with a cracked tooth.
Sipping? Yes! Soda (even diet), tea, and other acidic beverages can eventually erode your teeth, especially if you habitually consume them.
● Using teeth as tools
Teeth aren’t nutcrackers or bottle openers! Or any other tool!
● Tooth grinding
If you grind your teeth, even in your sleep, you can wear them down without even noticing! You may need a night guard or other appliance to help stop grinding, and if your teeth are worn down, you may need further dental treatment.
● Hard-bristled toothbrush
A toothbrush with hard bristles might seem like a good idea, but it’s better to use a soft- or medium-bristled brush, and brush regularly and longer! Set the timer for two minutes to make sure you are brushing long enough to get your teeth clean.
● Not brushing or flossing enough
Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning after breakfast and before bedtime. If you can’t brush during the day, try to drink plain water so you can at least “rinse” out any food particles or acidic drinks.
If you have any of these habits, it’s never too late to change! If you have any tooth or gum pain for any reason, please call our dental office in Douglasville as soon as possible!
