5 Nervous Habits That Damage Your Teeth

Peter Norris • August 14, 2018

Almost everyone has one or two bad habits. Most of these are relatively harmless, annoying others but causing very little lasting damage. However, there are several nervous habits that you might be engaging in that are ruining your teeth.

What are nervous habits that damage teeth?

Learning more about these bad teeth habits is the best way to prevent more harm from happening to that beautiful smile of yours.

Nail Biting

Biting your nails may relieve some stress in the moment, but it places a lot of pressure on your teeth. This weakens your enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities. It can also send small pieces of nail into your gums, leading to increased sensitivity, pain, or even infections.

Teeth Grinding or Jaw Clenching

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching are other responses to stress that many people practice, sometimes unconsciously. Over time, these habits can wear down your teeth, making them more sensitive and leading to facial pain. If left untreated, it can even cause jaw problems and chipped or cracked teeth.

Brushing Too Hard

Brushing too hard or using an abrasive toothpaste can cause more harm than good to your teeth causing gum irritation and weakening of the enamel. As a result, your teeth become more cavity prone.

Chewing Ice Cubes

Chewing on ice cubes may be one way to keep cool in the summer, but it can cause lasting damage to your teeth. Ice is an incredibly hard substance that can chip or crack even the healthiest teeth. Over time, it can also worsen existing tooth sensitivity.

Eating a Ton of Sugary Foods

Sugary snacking is bad for your health in many ways, but it is particularly hard on your teeth. Eating too many sugary foods puts you at a very high risk for cavities. These foods produce bacteria that can attack the outer shell of your teeth. When you snack all day without brushing, drinking, or giving your mouth a rest, the bacteria thrive.

Contact All Smiles Dentistry Today!

If you found any of these bad habits that ruin your teeth familiar, don’t worry. Visit our dentist in Lake Jackson, Texas to have your teeth examined and repaired. Here at All Smiles Dentistry , we are happy to meet with new patients, working with you to find solutions to your dental issues. We focus on patient-centric care, putting your needs first. Give us a call to learn more or to book your appointment today.

Featured image provided By: Getty Images / happy_lark

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