Your teeth are amazing as they help you to talk and eat properly and support your facial muscles. However, daily habits can damage them. We’ve listed five of the worst offenders.
Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of gum disease and premature tooth loss and stains your teeth. It can also increase the risk of oral cancer.
Thumb-sucking
After age 5, thumb-sucking habits can change the shape of the upper jaw, causing an overbite and problems with tooth alignment.
Brushing your teeth too hard
Brushing your teeth hard won’t clean them any better as it’s all about technique and using a decent toothbrush. Make sure you brush your teeth gently for at least two minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding and clenching, called bruxism is a largely nocturnal habit that can be stress-related. It can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, jaw pain, tooth sensitivity and worn and fractured teeth.
Nail biting
Nail biting can chip or crack your teeth or wear them down. It can also affect your jaw joints, causing a painful disorder called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
If you or another family member has any of these habits, make an appointment to see our dentist. We can offer help and advice on how to break harmful habits.
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