4 Everyday Acts That Hurt Your Teeth

Smoking. Chewing on ice. Snacking on candy throughout the day. These are all examples of habits that many of us have that we all know can wreak havoc on our teeth. However, there are a lot of other everyday acts that hurt your teeth that many people might not know about. Let’s look at 4 of them, and what you can do to protect your pearly whites from damage.

1. Using Your Teeth for Things Besides Chewing

Teeth were made to help with eating. Using them for anything else can actually harm them. Think twice before biting your nails or using your pearly whites to open stubborn packaging or carry an extra bag of groceries up the stairs. Quitting those habits is one of the best ways to save your teeth from potential chipping or breaking.

2. Falling

If you were born with a sixth sense and always step over every object in your path, your pearly whites are eternally grateful. If, however, you’re closer to the klutzy end of the spectrum, then you may have already spent some time in the dental chair paying for your clumsiness. Make sure to watch your step everywhere you go to prevent injury to your teeth.

3. Consuming Staining Foods and Beverages

There are certain foods and drinks that can leave behind serious stains on your pearly whites, such as:

• Black teas
• Coffee
• Wine
• Dark fruits and vegetables like berries and beets
• Colored sodas
• Tobacco

A good rule of thumb is that if it can stain fabric, it will probably stain your teeth as well. However, that doesn’t mean you have to cut out these items from your diet entirely (well, expect tobacco). For the drinks, simply sip them through a straw. That way they’ll zip right past your teeth and not leave stains. For the foods, consume then in moderation, and when you do eat them, be sure to brush your teeth right afterwards.

4. Having Oral Piercings

Although tongue and lips piercings might look cool and edgy, they can take a toll on your oral health. They can bump repeatedly into your teeth, eventually wearing down the enamel and leaving you more vulnerable to sensitivity and tooth decay. It’s much better for your dental health to stick to ear piercings instead.

These habits are all detrimental to your oral health. If you want to keep your pearly whites white and healthy, don’t do these things.

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis achieved her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Connecticut’s School of Dental Medicine. She has a passion for staying up to date with the latest and greatest technology and techniques that modern dentistry has to offer through annual continuing education courses. No matter what a patient needs, from a tiny filling to a full mouth reconstruction, Dr. Phadnis can make sure that patients walks out of the office with a happy, healthy smile. To learn more, you can contact Dr. Phadnis at (860) 400-3007.