Four Common Habits That Will Destroy Your Teeth

We all know to avoid the obvious behaviors that are bad for our oral health, such as not brushing and flossing regularly or skipping routine cleanings, but did you know that the following common behaviors could also be posing a huge threat to your teeth? 

Sipping Lemon Water.
This may come as a shock, since drinking lemon water is commonly thought to be extremely healthy. And while there are overall health benefits – consuming this refreshing beverage too frequently is not good for your teeth. Lemons are an extremely acidic food, so overexposure can cause the enamel on your teeth to erode over time. This erosion can lead to tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, as well as creating a rough surface that promotes decay and cavities. The good news is that moderation is key! No need to abandon this beverage altogether – just limit how often you enjoy lemon water.

Grinding or Clenching.
A common behavior caused by stress – or even just concentration – is to clench your jaw or grind your teeth. Some people even do this unconsciously or in their sleep. Unfortunately, grinding and clenching creates pressure that can lead to damage, such as microfractures and eventual breaking of teeth and dental work. If you know you are prone to these behaviors and are aware of it – try to notice when you are grinding or clenching and then relax your jaw to release the pressure. If you are unaware of it, ask your dentist to fit you for a hard plastic mouth guard that can be worn to protect the teeth.

Biting on Non-food Items
Using your teeth to help get a package or bottle open …. chomping on ice cubes … and even nibbling the end of your pen while you work all seem harmless enough, but in reality our teeth are not designed to bite on anything other than food. Using our teeth in place of a bottle open, scissor or blender puts them at a high risk of cracking and having a long-term habit of non-eating nibbling – including nail biting – will wear teeth down. Next time you are tempted to tear the tag off a new shirt, stop and take a minute to get the proper tool. And to help rid yourself of a nervous or unconscious habit, try replacing the pencil or ice with a piece of sugar free gum instead!

Learn more about how to protect your oral health or call us at (908) 998-4698 to schedule an appointment!