At Oceanside Dental Excellence, we understand that daily habits can take a toll on your teeth. From chewing on hard foods to ignoring bad breath, many of us unknowingly engage in behaviors that can damage our smiles. Here are 11 common ways people harm their teeth—and how to avoid them!
1. Chewing on hard foods
We’re looking at you, bone-in ribs and hard candy.
2. Chewing on hard things
This includes fingernails, pencils, pen caps, and ice.
3. Grinding your teeth
If you grind your teeth, consult with your dentist. An appliance can safeguard your smile.
4. Eating too much sticky food
Gummy candy, dried fruit, and even protein bars can break teeth.
5. Drinking anything besides water frequently
If your teeth are bathed in soda (sugared or diet), juice, coffee, or sports drinks constantly, you are asking for dental issues.
6. Playing sports without a mouthguard
Sports pose a major risk of tooth damage. Most kids are required to wear a protective mouthguard on the playing field. But fewer adults wear mouthguards for recreational activities like mountain biking and skiing. Stock types are ready-made and rarely fit well. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist are more comfortable than the cheap boil-and-bite type.
7. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
A hard-bristled toothbrush can damage teeth and cause gums to pull away. Scrub away food bits and plaque with a soft (or extra-soft) toothbrush.
8. Ignoring dry mouth
Saliva is important. Saliva rinses food fragments off of teeth and helps neutralize acids. It also helps clean the teeth of leftover food bits, helping to prevent plaque buildup. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, can lead to decay. Talk to your dentist if you have a dry mouth repeatedly.
9. Using teeth as tools
Use scissors to open a string cheese or pry the lid of a medicine bottle. Use a nutcracker if you are eating unshelled nuts. A quality dental crown can cost over eight hundred dollars.
10. Ignoring bad breath
Bad breath is often related to bacteria build-up in the mouth. It might be a symptom of accelerating tooth decay. Discuss it with your dentist. (Don’t be embarrassed. We treat bad breath all the time.)
11. Ignoring jaw pain
If you notice inexplicable jaw pain or notice a clicking sound, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist ASAP! These symptoms can be signs of a serious condition called temporomandibular disorder or TMD.
Is it too late? Have you already broken or chipped a tooth? There are several restorative and cosmetic dental treatments for chipped or cracked teeth. We can treat any issue at Oceanside Dental Excellence.
Contact Oceanside Dental Excellence:
760-439-3400
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3762 Mission Ave Ste 104
Oceanside, California
92058
