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Your teeth are strong, but they are not indestructible. Your teeth can be damaged by many things. Sometimes, it’s obvious when teeth are damaged. Other times, the damage is not visible until a dentist examines your mouth. Here are a few habits that can damage our teeth.

• Teeth Grinding

The habit of bruxism—also known as teeth grinding or clenching of the jaw—can cause tooth enamel to wear down and even crack. This habit can also result in jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and problems sleeping. If you are regularly waking up with a sore jaw, you should talk to your dentist about treatment options to prevent damage to your teeth and jaws. Treatments can include wearing a mouth guard at night, stress reduction techniques, physical therapy, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, Botox injections, and more. 

• Chewing Ice

Many people enjoy chewing on ice cubes and sucking on hard candy or popsicles. However, this bad habit can lead to problems for your teeth and gums. The cold temperature of ice can cause the blood vessels in your gums to constrict. This reaction can lower the flow of blood to your gum tissues, leading to injury and even tooth loss. Over time, your teeth may become more sensitive and less able to withstand tooth decay. In addition, ice and hard candy can be quite abrasive on the enamel of your teeth, wearing down the protective barriers over time. If left unchecked, you may need to have fillings placed more frequently to protect your teeth.

• Aggressive Brushing

Brushing your teeth for two minutes each time helps you remove bacteria and plaque from your mouth. However, if you brush too aggressively, you may damage your teeth and gums. It is also possible to irritate your gums and cause them to bleed. It is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions when brushing to avoid damaging your teeth. If you use an electric toothbrush, make sure it has settings that are designed for sensitive gums or gums without gum disease. If your electric toothbrush does not have a setting for sensitive gums, try slowing down the vibrations per minute.

• Nail Biting

If you find you are unconsciously biting, gnawing, or grinding on your fingers and nails, there are things you can do to take back control. Many people find that they bite their fingers or chew their nails as a response to stress, anxiety, boredom, or nervousness. If you tend to bite your nails when you are bored or nervous, try keeping your hands busy by chewing gum, playing with your hair, or doodling on a piece of paper. You might also want to avoid stressful situations when possible or at least find ways to manage your reactions when they do come about.

• Using Teeth as Tools

The enamel that protects your teeth is the strongest substance in your body – but it’s still susceptible to wear and tear. It’s a bad idea to use your teeth as a tool. Don’t use your teeth to tear open packaging or hold objects. You could chip a tooth or damage the enamel. Instead, use a bottle opener, scissors, or some other tool instead.

• Aggressive Brushing

Patients who brush too hard can erode the enamel on their teeth or wear away their tooth’s outer layers. The dentin – one of the tooth’s second layers – is softer than enamel and can be worn down over time if patients brush too aggressively. This can result in sensitive teeth that are more likely to have cavities.

If you wish to learn more about our dental services, we are here to help you. Call our clinic, Samir T. Ayoub Dental Corp., at 16505 Clark Ave, Bellflower, California (90706) at (562) 925-2223 and book an appointment with Dr. Samir T. Ayoub.