So, you practice good dental care – you brush your teeth, floss regularly and see your dentist twice a year for checkups. Unfortunately you are probably also engaging in one or more bad oral health habits that can compromise your dental health. Here’s five of the worst dental habits, why they’re harmful, and what you can do to stop them.
2. Using teeth as tools
Dentists often see patients who rely on their teeth for a number of odd jobs – tearing open a bag of potato chips, uncap a bottle of nail polish, pull out a watch stem, straighten a bent fork tine, or rip a price tag off a piece of clothing. This can be hard on your teeth, traumatizing them or causing the edge of a weakened tooth to chip off or even fracture. Its best to think about what you are using your teeth for and use real tools such as scissors and pliers to do the dirty work.
3. Grinding Your Teeth
If you notice that you clench or grind your teeth during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth to train your jaw muscles to relax.
To relax your jaw muscles at night holding a warm washcloth against your cheek, in front of the earlobe.
4. Using a Hard-Bristled Toothbrush
Its a common misconception that the firmer your toothbrush the better. This is not so, especially in older adults as gums push back and the roots of teeth become exposed, increasing sensitivity. A brush with too-firm bristles may irritate the gums and lead to sensitive teeth.
5. Nail Biting
This nervous habit can chip your teeth and impact your jaw. Placing your jaw for long periods of time in a protruding position can place pressure on it and this is associated with jaw dysfunction.
The good news is there are some Bitter-tasting nail polishes, stress reduction and setting small, realistic goals can help. If certain situations are triggers, hold something to keep your fingers busy.
Make an appointment with the friendly Local Redcliffe Dentists at John Street Dental if you would like help overcoming any dental health bad habits.
Call today on 3284 4281 or Book Online