Even if you brush your teeth diligently and visit the dentist regularly, this does not mean that you are sure to have perfect dental health. Many common household habits destroy teeth before we even know it. We tell you what you need to stop doing to maintain a radiant smile for a long time.
Biting nails
Some of us are constantly biting our nails when we are anxious or think hard about something. In the meantime, this seemingly harmless habit can lead to cracks and chips in the teeth and abrasion of the enamel.
Besides, during nail-biting, the jaw is at an unnatural angle. Over time, this can cause temporomandibular disorder (TMJ), which causes severe pain.
Grinding your teeth
Involuntary teeth grinding is called bruxism and is caused either by stress or sleep apnea (if we are talking about teeth grinding during sleep). Over time, this habit can lead to jaw pain, cracked or chipped teeth, and dysfunction of the facial joints and muscles. Therefore, if you or your loved ones notice that you are grinding your teeth, it is better to see a doctor as soon as possible and solve this problem.
Brushing your teeth too hard
Brushing too long and/or too hard with a hard-bristled toothbrush will only erode the enamel and irritate the gums. Instead, brush your teeth gently, for no more than three to four minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Opening everything with your teeth
Opening bottles, bags, or any other packaging (and anything in general) with your teeth is a horrible idea. This can lead to a chipped or cracked tooth.
Drinking little water
Sufficient consumption of clean drinking water is an underestimated secret to healthy teeth. The fact is that a glass of water helps flush food particles, bacteria, and acids from the mouth. Water drunk immediately after red wine or coffee washes away the chemicals that cause plaque.
Overeating
In addition to the gastrointestinal tract, systematic overeating is extremely harmful to the teeth. Food leftovers in the mouth (we often overeat at night after brushing our teeth) are an excellent target for harmful bacteria, especially if it is the remains of sweets. When bacteria feed on sugar, they produce acids that weaken tooth enamel and damage gums.
