Your teeth is one of the most precious asset that you can ever have and you would do anything to protect it. However, you might have unintentionally committed some bad dental habits in some point of their life that has damaged your teeth. Read on to find out some of the bad dental habits which you might be unintentionally doing that can help put you back on track to achieving that perfect smile!
Brushing Aggressively
Some of us might think that brushing our teeth forcefully would aid in the removal of bacteria and plaque from our teeth. However, this is a common myth and it could not be further from the truth. Although a moderate amount of force would help to dislodge these substances, excessive usage of force is a bad approach. This would actually hurt your gum’s tissue and the tooth’s enamel in the process. A more appropriate method would be to brush your teeth with the toothbrush angled at 45 degrees at a moderate amount of pressure. This would result in a fresh set of teeth over the long run!
Grinding Your Teeth
Teeth grinding is a bad habit that even patients themselves, are sometimes unaware of as it usually occurs when patients are asleep. However, this is very bad for the teeth as the friction generated would result in the wearing down of the teeth’s enamel. Hence, it is important for you to go for regular dental checkups as dentists are trained to identify teeth grinding just by observing the shape of your teeth.
Hard Bristles Toothbrush
This might be one of the most understated bad habit that most of us tend to ignore. There are many types of toothbrushes out in the market, varying in terms of the stiffness and shape of the bristles. However, one should always choose the right one that is suitable for their needs. For example, softer bristles will be easier on the gums and also, help to protect the tooth’s enamel from erosion. You might be surprised that the ADA has safety guidelines for toothbrush manufacturers so always be on the lookout for the ADA seal on your toothbrush packaging.
Improper Usage Of Your Teeth
When your hands are filled and you are trying to open a pack of chips, using your teeth is the wrong approach and is not recommended. There has been numerous cases of enamel damage/ chipped teeth due to the improper usage of one’s teeth. If you are guilty of this habit, stop immediately and use the appropriate tools for the job!
Consider Professional Tooth Whitening Services
If you want to obtain a fresh, well-aligned set of pearly whites and some of the above mentioned habits sounds familiar to you, stop these bad habits immediately! By refusing to engage in these bad practices, it is a step closer towards regaining your confidence in your smile. Remember to also regularly visit your dentist to seek professional advice regarding your oral health as they are trained to give the best advice.
Dr. Alex Rubinov is an experienced dental practitioner in New York. The practice offers a range of services including teeth whitening, smile makeovers, cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics, to name but a few. Contact the team at (718) 253-0800 for an appointment.