Did you know that there are simple to address habits that can actually take a very serious toll on your smile? When you want to protect your oral health, it can feel a little overwhelming at times. Brushing and flossing is important. Trips to see us are very important. Then there are those other details (like the aforementioned bad habits) to steer clear of. Rest assured, you will learn everything you need to know during checkups with us. For now, let’s cover some significant bad-habit details.
#1: Chewing On Ice
You don’t want to chew on ice. Let’s rephrase that. You may really want to chew on ice because you find that it’s an enjoyable snack that does nothing bad to your waistline. Unfortunately, though, it can be very hard on your teeth. You can quickly find yourself with sensitivity, cracks, fracture, chips, pain, and you may even wear your chewing surfaces down. All it takes is skipping this habit and reaching for something that’s not so hard on your oral health. (Ice eating can also strain your jaw joints and lead to bruxism).
#2: Chewing On Your Nails
Similar to the problem of eating ice for your snack of choice is the habit of biting your fingernails. The main problems that may come from this mirror those of the ice habit. You might wear your teeth down, chip them, irritate your jaw joints, and even cause bruxism to occur or to worsen. (If you’re unsure, bruxism is grinding or clenching as a chronic and involuntary habit).
#3: Pretending Your Smile Is A Tool
Of course, we always suggest you use your smile for it’s main purpose (to emote your feelings, to speak, and to eat). Anything else? Use the proper tool instead to protect your oral health.
Protect Your Oral Health By Avoiding Bad Habits
Learn all you need to know about protecting your smile during your checkups with us. We invite you to schedule an appointment with your Katy, TX dentist at Lathrop Dental Center by calling 832-437-3849. We proudly welcome patients and families from Katy, Fulshear, Weston Lakes, Simonton, Richmond, Rosenberg, Brookshire, Wallis, Orchard, Cypress, Sealy, Columbus, and all surrounding communities.
