Remember when you first learned to brush your teeth? That moment of pride when you finally mastered the art of dental care, feeling like you had everything under control? We were all so careful, making sure we didn’t miss a single spot and ensuring our teeth stayed shiny and healthy.
But as we get older, confidence in our routines sometimes leads to a little bit of slacking. We forget some of those good habits we used to follow so closely, and worse, we might even pick up a few bad ones without realizing it.
These harmful habits could be doing more harm than you think. What seems like no big deal can actually turn into a big problem down the road, potentially leading to some pretty uncomfortable and expensive consequences.
So, let’s take a look at three common habits that could be secretly sabotaging your smile—and what you can do to fix them!
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1. Ignoring Flossing
We’ve all been guilty of skipping flossing at times—telling ourselves that skipping flossing “just this once” won’t hurt, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Flossing isn’t just an optional add-on to brushing; it’s a crucial step for getting rid of the gunk that your toothbrush can’t reach. If you skip it, plaque and food particles build up between your teeth, eventually leading to gum disease and cavities.
That’s why you should never skip the floss. It only takes a couple of minutes, and your teeth (and gums) will be so much happier for it. Plus, you’ll avoid the dreaded “floss lecture” from your dentist at your next visit.
2. Brushing Too Hard
Do you ever find yourself scrubbing your teeth with extra force, thinking that a little more pressure will make them cleaner?
Brushing too hard can actually wear down your enamel—the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth—and cause your gums to recede. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and make you more prone to cavities. Your teeth are strong, but they’re not built to handle that kind of rough treatment.
Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and light, circular motions. Your teeth will still get clean, and you’ll also be doing them a favor by treating them with a little TLC!
3. Using Your Teeth As Tools
We’ve all been there—you can’t find the scissors, so you use your teeth to open that stubborn package. It’s quick, easy, and, hey, your teeth are there to help! But here’s the thing: your teeth aren’t meant to be tools. Using them to tear open packages, pop bottle caps, or even hold things can lead to cracks, chips, or worse.
Before you know it, you’re in the dentist’s chair getting a repair that could have been avoided if you’d just taken an extra second to grab the right tool. Your teeth are awesome at chewing food, not at opening stubborn packages.
So next time, resist the urge to use your teeth as a multitool. Keep some scissors or a bottle opener nearby, and save your smile from unnecessary damage.
4. Clenching & Grinding Your Teeth
Do you ever catch yourself clenching your jaw during the day or grinding your teeth at night? This habit, known as bruxism, might seem harmless, especially if you’re unaware that you’re doing it. However, over time, clenching and grinding can seriously wreak havoc on your teeth and jaw.
Bruxism can lead to tooth wear, fractures, and even loosening of teeth while putting a strain on your jaw muscles and joints, leading to discomfort or even chronic pain. This can result in more severe issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
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