Five Common Ways to Damage Your Teeth

By now, most of us know that skipping brushing and flossing invites trouble. But those aren’t the only habits that can harm your teeth and gums, several everyday ones do quiet damage without us giving them much thought. Have a read, and see whether any sound familiar; if so, it might be time to give your oral care a little more attention.

1. Eating lots of sweets

Regularly indulging in sugary treats feeds the bacteria behind plaque and tooth decay. You don’t have to give up sweets entirely, but keeping them to a minimum helps, and brushing or rinsing with water soon after a sugary treat goes a long way to limiting the damage.

2. Chewing on ice

It’s just frozen water, so it’s harmless, right? Not quite. Chewing ice can crack or chip teeth surprisingly easily, leading to dental bills that were entirely avoidable. If you’re a habitual ice-chewer, sugar-free gum is a much friendlier way to satisfy the urge.

3. Using your teeth as tools

Tearing open packaging, snapping a tag, opening a bottle, most of us have used our teeth as a handy tool at some point. It’s a quick route to a chipped or broken tooth, though. Reach for scissors or the right tool instead, and keep your teeth for chewing.

4. Smoking

Smoking can lead to a host of oral health problems, including gum disease, stained or darkened teeth, and mouth cancer. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most valuable things you can do for your teeth and your overall health, and support is available if you’d like a hand with it.

5. Skipping routine care

Even the best home habits don’t replace regular professional care. Keeping up your routine check-ups and cleans is critical for the long-term health of your teeth, catching small issues before they become big ones. If it’s been a while, get in touch with TMJ Therapy Centre to book your next appointment. We look forward to seeing you.