Protecting your teeth is important to you. You brush twice a day. You floss regularly. You go to the dentist. These are all good things. But are you avoiding activities that can damage your teeth? Here are five of the more common things people do that inadvertently damage teeth.
Your teeth are not a tool
You’ve probably used your teeth to twist open a bottle, tear open a packet or carry something when your hands are full. Yes, it makes things easier in the short term, but it can lead to chips, cracks and misalignments that really aren’t worth the immediate gains.
Avoid oral piercings
Yes, they’re trendy, but they can lead to infections, gum recession and even tooth loss. And depending on where you get your mouth piercings, food can get lodged in there and lead to bacteria buildup. If you feel the need to express yourself with a stud or hoop, it might be best to choose another location on your body.
Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports
Mouthguard technology has evolved with time. Today they’re much more comfortable than they were previously. The pros use them, and you should too because getting smacked in the mouth on the field, floor or ice is common. And if you need dental surgery to fix the trauma, you might be sidelined for a long time.
Don’t chew on ice cubes
Yes it’s just frozen water, but every chomp down chips away at your tooth enamel. And if you happen to have a filling, chewing ice is among the best ways to compromise its integrity.
Protecting your teeth by wearing a night guard
If you clench and/or grind your teeth at night consider wearing a nightguard to minimize the damage this activity can have on your teeth and jaw.
And one simple do
Take the time to take care of your teeth. Be diligent about brushing and flossing. And make the time to visit the dentist twice a year.
