Brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular dentist appointments are important for keeping your teeth healthy. However, you may be putting your smile at risk without even knowing it by engaging in certain habits. Here are six of the most common that can damage your teeth along with suggestions on how to overcome them.

A Guide to Breaking Habits That Are Harmful to Your Teeth

1. Nail Biting

When you bite your nails, you can accidentally chip your teeth. During the act, the lower teeth are pushed in front of your upper ones and you’re also putting additional pressure on your jaw. To quit this habit, coat your nails with bad-tasting nail polish or apply tape to your fingers. Additionally, you’ll want to find something else to do with your hands instead, such as playing with a fidget spinner or a stress ball.

2. Brushing Too Hard

You can have too much of a good thing. Brushing too hard can actually hurt your gums and cause them to recede over time. You should always use a soft toothbrush, whether you use a manual or electric one. And when you brush your teeth, think about massaging them instead of scrubbing them to ensure you use the right amount of pressure.

3. Grinding & Clenching

When you grind or clench your teeth, this can cause excessive wear as well as chipping and cracking. You may also have joint pain as a result. Grinding is often related to stress. You can try relaxation exercises during the day and wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth at night.

4. Chewing Ice

If you feel like chewing ice, you may have an iron deficiency. This habit can chip your teeth and break fillings. Get evaluated and rule out any underlying conditions. If it’s just a bad habit, keep your beverages refrigerated to reduce the need for ice or use a straw for drinking.

5. Snacking

Snacking is usually associated with an unhealthy weight, but eating all day long can take a toll on your oral health as well. If you eat frequent meals throughout the day, the sugars stay in your mouth and cause cavities. If possible, you should stick to eating big meals instead, because the extra flow of saliva will wash away more of the bacteria. The same is true for the consumption of sugary drinks, including soda, fruit juice, and sports drinks.

6. Not Wearing a Mouth Guard

Children are often required to wear a mouth guard before they are allowed to engage in contact sports, but these rules aren’t always enforced with adults. However, wearing a mouth guard is a simple thing you can and should do to protect your teeth when you’re playing sports. If you’re not wearing one because they’re bulky and uncomfortable, have your dentist custom-make one that fits.

Your dentist can help you protect your teeth–whether by creating a mouth guard or advising you on proper dental care. Katz Family Dentistry offers stress-free dental care by creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere for their patients. In addition to regular teeth cleanings, the dentist and their team offer a full range of services to keep you smiling. Call (585) 671-2340 to make an appointment at their office in Webster, NY, or visit the website for more information.