No matter how vigilant we may be with daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, there are many daily habits that may be causing more harm than good when it comes to your dental health. Beyond the foods that we eat, there are many other surprising habits that cause oral hygiene issues.

• Playing sports without a mouthguard- A hit to a mouth can become a devastating injury when it results in a chipped or lost tooth. Investing in a self-fitting mouth guard can protect you from a catastrophe.
• Nail-biting- Chewing on your nails can erode enamel and cause chipping or cracked teeth. Even worse, serious nail biting can trigger root absorption which can lead to serious dental damage, such a tooth loss, in the long run.
• Chewing on ice, pens, and pencils- You may not even be aware of the urge to chew on inanimate objects when you concentrate, but it is a common occurrence. This habit can cause serious damage to tooth enamel as well as lead to chipping and cracking. An alternative may be choosing a naturally sweetened gum to keep the mouth busy while concentrating.
• Aggressive Brushing- Although it is important to brush teeth regularly, overly vigorous brushing can cause damage to gums and tooth enamel. Be sure to gently massage gums when you brush to remove debris and bacteria, but take care not to brush too aggressively.
• Mouth Breathing- Mouth breathing can lead to many serious health problems, including dry mouth, sleep apnea, altered facial structure, and orthodontic issues. Although it may seem like a difficult habit to break, changing to breathing through the nose may not be as impossible as you may think. By first ensuring that there are no particular health reasons causing you to breath through your mouth, you can begin to practice breathing through your nose with regularity.
• Grinding Teeth- Teeth grinding at night is often a sign of stress in your life. Grinding causes several short and long term dental issues. Seeing your dentist to fit your mouth with a custom made mouth guard will not only protect your teeth but also prevent future dental health problems.

If you or your child has any of these harmful habits and looking for help to alleviate them, remember that we are here to help. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today.