By now, you are probably well aware of the importance of maintaining your oral health. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can prevent many oral health issues such as cavities and gum disease. However, even if you brush and floss every day, you could still be making mistakes that could hurt your pearly whites. Here are five dental habits to break right now.
Bleaching Too Frequently
A white smile might be desirable, but bleaching your teeth too frequently is not good for them. If you whiten your teeth too often, they can become very sensitive. If your dentist recommends only bleaching your teeth every six months, you should not go against his instructions. You can do other things to keep your teeth white such as avoiding dark-colored foods and beverages.
Grinding Your Teeth
If you grind your teeth back and forth, it can weaken the enamel of your teeth and cause your gums to recede. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, you probably do not even realize you do it. Common signs of grinding include jaw pain and headaches. If you can't stop clenching down on your teeth, ask your dentist, like those at Advanced Dental Professionals, to give you a mouth guard. He can give you a custom-made one that will fit comfortably in your mouth.
Opening Items With Teeth
Have you ever attempted to open a bag of pretzels or pop bottle with your teeth? If so, you could do a lot of damage to your pearly whites. When you use your teeth as tools, you can wear down the enamel and even cause cracks and chips.
Biting Your Nails
Biting your nails does not just affect the way your hands look; it can also hurt your teeth. If you bite your nails on a regular basis, your teeth can eventually move out of place or even start to crack.
Brushing Your Teeth Too Aggressively
Brushing your teeth with a lot of force might seem like it would be a good way to get rid of plaque and bacteria. However, brushing your pearly whites too aggressively can actually wear down the enamel. Always use a soft bristle brush and brush your teeth in gentle, circular motions.
If you are guilty of any of these dental habits, you should try to stop right now. Whether you bleach your teeth too frequently or bite your nails, it is never too late to quit the habit.
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