When it comes to caring for your oral health, it’s important you do more than brush and floss daily. Though these oral hygiene tasks are incredibly important, other habits can often cause more harm than you realize. Thankfully, the dentists at iCare Dentistry in Norcross, GA, are here to help keep your teeth healthy. Below, they share a few common habits that might be hurting your teeth.

3 Habits That Are Bad for Your Teeth

1. Nail-Biting

Many people bite their nails as a nervous habit. However, this behavior forces you to place your jaw in a protruding position for a long period of time. This places a significant amount of pressure on your bone structure and might even cause jaw dysfunction. In addition, the habit can easily result in chipped teeth. Try using bitter-tasting nail polishes, keeping your hands busy, or reducing your stress to stop this habit.

2. Grazing on Snacks

If you love to eat snacks throughout the day, you might be at a higher risk for cavities. When you eat, bacteria begin to consume leftover food particles in your teeth. This produces an acid that can degrade the outer shell of a tooth and lead to a cavity. Instead of grazing, try to eat balanced meals that will keep you full throughout the day. When you do eat a snack, try to choose one that’s low in fat and sugar and follow it with a big glass of water or sugarless gum.

3. Brushing Too Hard

One of the best practices is brushing your teeth twice per day for about two minutes at a time. However, many people press too hard with the toothbrush, which can cause damage to the gums and even irritate the teeth. To prevent this damage, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and think about massaging your teeth rather than scrubbing them.

Promote healthier teeth by avoiding these habits and brushing daily. When you need to see a dentist, don’t hesitate to reach out to iCare Dentistry. Offering everything from simple cleanings to treatment for gum disease, these professionals can help ensure your mouth is as healthy as possible. Schedule an appointment with a dentist today by calling (770) 609-6106, or visit them online to learn more about their practice.