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When it comes to avoiding habits that harm your teeth, all you have to do is limit the amount of sugar you consume and protect your teeth with a mouthguard when playing sports, right? Not exactly. The next time you see your dentist, ask them to elaborate on the habits that are bad for your oral health. There are some that may surprise you, like the following.

6 Surprising Habits Your Dentist Wants You to Avoid

1. Biting Your Nails

Biting your nails repeatedly over time can crack or chip your teeth. In severe cases, you may need to conceal the damage with veneers or a similar cosmetic dentistry treatment.

2. Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard

DentistWhen you apply too much pressure with your toothbrush, you wear down the enamel of your teeth. This leaves them more vulnerable to damage and bacteria.

3. Eating Acidic Foods

Sweets aren’t the only foods to avoid if you want to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. Acidic foods, like lemons, can also damage your enamel if you eat them too often.

4. Holding Pencils or Other Objects in Your Teeth

Many people, especially those who work desk jobs, absent-mindedly bite down on pens and pencils occasionally, holding them in their teeth. This can result in chipping over time.

5. Drinking Sports Drinks

Despite associating themselves with the concepts of health and fitness, sports drinks often containing high amounts of sugar. Too much sugar can lead to the decay of your teeth.

6. Clenching Your Jaw

Jaw-clenching and tooth-grinding are habits that are especially common in people who consume large amounts of caffeine or similar stimulants. Unfortunately, these habits can wear down enamel and cause jaw misalignments.

 

It’s important to talk with a professional about good oral health habits. They’ll help you get a more thorough understanding of how you could be harming your teeth without knowing it. If you’re looking for a dentist in the Anchorage, AK, area, get in touch with the office of Thomas J. Munger III, DDS. This team has provided both general and cosmetic dentistry services to patients throughout the region for four decades. Contact the office online to learn about becoming a patient, or call (907) 345-3744 to schedule an appointment.

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