1. Nail Biting
Biting nails can impact your jaw and can even chip teeth. Biting your nails causes your jaw to protrude, which puts undue strain on it. This pressure, over long periods of time, can be associated with jaw dysfunction.
Solution: Bitter-tasting nail paints and stress reduction can help. If certain situations are triggers for nail biting, hold something to keep your fingers busy.
2. Brushing too Hard
Brushing for two minutes twice a day is one of the finest daily practices for the health of your teeth. But be careful—brushing too vigorously can harm teeth and irritate gums.
Solution: Use a soft toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance at the proper pressure.
3. Clenching and Grinding
This can cause chipping or cracking of the teeth, as well as muscle tenderness or joint pain.
Solution: A night-time mouth guard, can prevent harm from grinding your teeth at night. Relaxation techniques can also be helpful if you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth during stressful times of the day.
4. Chewing Ice Cubes
Crystalline structures make up both ice cubes and tooth enamel. When you push two crystals against each other with enough force, one will break. Most of the time it’s the ice, but sometimes the tooth or a filling will break.
Solution: Cracked or broken teeth and fillings are unpleasant and costly to fix. Avoid chewing ice by using a straw or drinking cold beverages without ice because it poses a serious risk. It is also safer to chew sugar-free gum instead.
5. Constant Snacking
Eating frequently during day, especially on sugary foods and drinks, puts you at a higher risk for cavities. When you eat, cavity-causing bacteria feast leftover food, producing an acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth.
Solution: To feel fuller for longer, eat balanced meals. If you must have a snack, choose one that is low in sugar and fat. Brush after snacking whenever you can, and wash away any leftover food with a large glass of water after indulging in the occasional sugary treat.
6. Using your Teeth as Tools
Your teeth were not designed to hold objects when your hands are full or to act as a pair of scissors; they were made for eating. When you do this, you put yourself at a higher risk of cracking your teeth, injuring your jaw or accidentally swallowing something you shouldn’t.
Solution: Take a break and look for someone or something to help you.