5 Dental Habits You Should Stop Right Now

You brush everyday. You floss on the regular. You visit my dental office in Long Grove twice a year. Yet you still have cavities and other dental problems. What’s going on? Chances are, you probably have a dangerous dental habit (or two).

No matter how awesome your oral hygiene routine, if you have a dental habit you just can’t seem to stop, it may be causing damage to your smile. Some of the most common habits that result in severe dental problems include:

1. Over-Bleaching. Whitening your teeth can certainly improve the look of your grin, but there is such a thing as too much whitening. First, over-bleaching can lead to a too-white smile that looks fake and odd. Not only that, whitening too much can lead to tooth and gum sensitivity. Unsure if you’re over-whitening? Talk to your dentist in Long Grove.

2. Brushing too Hard. When it comes to brushing your teeth, harder is not necessarily better. In fact, brushing harder can lead to enamel damage and sensitivity, both of which could cause dental problems in the future. A soft bristled brush and a gentle motion is key to a healthy smile.

3. Crunching on Ice. It’s cold. It’s hard. And it’s terrible for your smile. The frozen texture along with the super-cold temperature makes ice a menace for smiles. Crunching on ice can cause teeth to fracture, chip, and crack. These chips and cracks may seem like no big deal now, but can lead to serious concerns in the future.

4. Biting Your Nails. Not only is biting your nails a great way to transfer germs into your body, it’s also a surefire way to cause tooth damage. Gnawing on your nails is typically a chronic habit, which means nail biters do a lot of gnawing. Repeated pressure on teeth can cause them to shift or even break. Keep your fingers out of your mouth!

5. Using Teeth as Tools. When you buy a new piece of clothing and it’s time to remove the tags, do you reach for scissors or use your teeth? We hope you said scissors, but the reality is that most people opt for the teeth. Don’t! Using teeth as tools is a guaranteed way to cause damage including cracked teeth, broken restorations, and worn down enamel.

As with any habit, dental habits can be hard to break, but the health of your smile is worth it. If you’re struggling to nix any habit that may be causing damage to your teeth, talk to anyone at my Long Grove dental office. We’re always here to help!

Welcoming patients from Long Grove, Buffalo Grove, Lake Zurich, and surrounding communities.

About The Author

Dr. Nichole DeMars

Dr. Nichole DeMars boasts over 20 years of experience in the dentistry field. She is skilled in restorative and cosmetic dental procedures, including veneers, Invisalign®, teeth whitening, and full mouth rehabilitation. Dr. DeMars was awarded Doctor of Excellence by the International Association of Dentists (IAD).

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