With the new year upon us, many people make new year resolutions to start the year with positive behaviors that can improve their health and overall well-being. Some of those habits can impact your dental health as well.
Some of the harmful habits that affect the health of your teeth include:
- Nail biting
- Brushing too hard
- Chewing on ice
- Grinding and clenching
- Constant snacking and sipping on soft drinks
- Using your teeth as tools
We will look at each one of these habits and what you can do to break them.
Nail biting
The habit: This nervous habit can chip teeth and impact your jaw joint. Placing your jaw for long periods of time in a protruding position can place pressure on it. This can lead to jaw joint (TMJ) soreness and dysfunction.
The solution: 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.
Brushing Too Hard
The habit: Brushing for two minutes twice a day is one of the best habits you can get into. Just make sure you’re not trying too hard. Brushing with a hard toothbrush, or brushing too hard, can damage teeth and irritate gums. It can also cause gum recession and abrasion of the tooth roots at the gum-line.
The solution: Use a soft toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance at the proper pressure. Don’t think of scrubbing, think massage. Save the hard toothbrush for cleaning the grout in the bathroom tile. Another option is using a power toothbrush that uses an ultrasonic vibration to do the cleaning work for you.
Chewing on Ice
The habit: Tooth enamel is a crystal. Ice is a crystal. When you push two crystals against each other, one will break. Most of the time it’s the ice, but sometimes the tooth or a filling will break.
The solution: Drink chilled beverages without ice, or use a straw so you're not tempted. The risk of chewing ice is greater than any pleasure that comes from chewing it. Since ice is really cold it can make your teeth more sensitive.
Grinding and Clenching
The habit: This can cause chipping or cracking of the teeth, as well as muscle tenderness or joint pain. You might also feel like you can’t open your mouth wide or cause chewing with pain.
The solution: Relaxation exercises and staying aware makes a difference. A nighttime mouthguard can also help. Clenching may also be a sign of sleep disordered breathing or sleep apnea. If you can’t breath while you’re sleeping your body forces your jaw to move to open your airway. You’ll have less tooth damage, less pain and muscle soreness, and better sleep. See www.seminolesleepsolutions.com for more information on sleep apnea.
Constant Snacking
The habit: Grazing all day, especially on sugary foods and drinks, puts you at a higher risk for cavities. When you eat, cavity-causing bacteria feast leftover food, producing an acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth.
The solution: Eat balanced meals to feel fuller, longer. If you need a snack, make sure it's low in fat and sugar. If you indulge in the occasional sugary treat, follow it with a big glass of water to wash away leftover food.
Using Your Teeth as Tools
The habit: Your teeth were made for eating, not to stand in as a pair of scissors or hold things when your hands are full. When you do this, you put yourself at a higher risk of cracking your teeth, injuring your jaw or accidentally swallowing something you shouldn’t.
The solution: Stop and find something or someone to give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you.
Reference: www.mouthhealthy.org
Dr. Craig Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD has been promoting health oral habits for more than 30 years. Oakport Dental, 2421 S. Maple Ave. Sanford, FL 32771. (407) 323-5340. www.oakportdental.com
