Do you chew on your ice when drinking water or other beverages? Are you finding yourself biting your nails when under stress? While everyone knows these habits are bad, how do they impact your teeth? We will review some of the most common oral habits that affect patients and what we can do as your dentist in Bethesda, MD, to treat the tooth damage from these habits.
Oral Habits From Your Dentist in Bethesda, MD
Avoid bad oral habits to prevent tooth damage, including chipped, cracked, and worn teeth. Common and damaging oral health habits for patients of all ages include:
Biting Nails
If you bite your nails, you’re introducing your mouth to bacteria on your hands and under your nails. Not only is nail biting unsanitary, but nail biting also places pressure on your tooth enamel.
Thumb Sucking
Thumb-sucking is a common bad habit in children. Often, children will suck their thumbs as a calming habit when stressed. However, thumb-sucking can impact how their palate develops. Children who suck their thumbs for many years may change how their teeth develop, creating a narrow palate. Not to mention that thumb sucking introduces more bacteria to the mouth.
Chewing on Hard Objects
Some people may unconsciously chew pen caps, pencils, or other objects without realizing it. You can chip or break a tooth if you chew on ice, pens, hard candy, or other hard objects or foods.
Using Teeth to Open Objects
When you try to open a package with your teeth instead of scissors, you add unneeded pressure to your teeth. You can damage your teeth by chewing on hard objects like ice.
Brushing Your Teeth Hard
You do not need to brush your teeth hard to get a good clean. Gently brushing your teeth will also ensure your teeth are clean, but brushing too aggressively can wear down your tooth enamel. Using a harder-bristled brush can also contribute to tooth damage. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush, taking your time to brush for two minutes twice a day.
Treat Worn or Damaged Teeth
If you have sustained tooth damage or wear, please visit our office for treatment. We can recommend dental bonding, veneers, or crowns depending on the extent of your tooth damage. Bonding is best for single damaged or fractured teeth or minor cosmetic problems. Veneers can cover the front of teeth and address one or more teeth in the smile line. Crowns fully cover teeth like caps and provide durability for teeth in the back of the mouth.
Do you have one or more damaged teeth from bad oral habits? Call Dr. Srotalina Khanna today at 301.500.2205 or request a dental appointment on our website. Dr. Khanna and the Bethesda Family Smiles team are here to help you restore health to your smile.