Chewing on Ice
It’s natural
and sugar free, so you might think ice is harmless. But munching on hard,
frozen cubes can chip or even crack your teeth. And if your mindless chomping
irritates the soft tissue inside a tooth, regular toothaches may follow. Hot
foods and cold foods may trigger quick, sharp jabs of pain or a lingering
toothache. Next time you get the urge for ice, chew some sugarless gum instead.
Playing Sports
With No Mouth Guard
Whether you
play football, hockey, or any other contact sport, don't get in the game
without a mouth guard. This is a piece of molded plastic that protects the
upper row of teeth. Without it, your teeth could get chipped or even knocked
out when the action gets rough. Self-fitting mouth guards may be purchased at a
store, or you can have one custom made by your dentist.
Tongue Piercings
Tongue
piercings may be trendy, but biting down on the metal stud can crack a tooth.
Lip piercings pose a similar risk. And when metal rubs against the gums, it can
cause gum damage that may lead to tooth loss. The mouth is also a haven for
bacteria, so piercings raise the risk of infections and sores. Bottom line,
discuss the health risks with your dentist first.
Grinding Teeth
Teeth grinding,
or bruxism, can wear teeth down over time. It is most often caused by stress
and sleeping habits. This makes it hard to control. Avoiding hard foods during
the day can reduce pain and damage from this habit. Wearing a mouth guard at
night can prevent the damage caused by grinding while sleeping.
Soda
Candy isn't the
only culprit when it comes to added sugar. Sodas can have up to 11 teaspoons of
sugar per serving. To add insult to injury, sodas also contain phosphoric and
citric acids, which eat away at tooth enamel. Diet soft drinks let you skip the
sugar, but they may have even more acid in the form of the artificial
sweeteners.
Opening Stuff
With Your Teeth
Opening bottle
caps or plastic packaging with your teeth may be convenient, but this is one
habit that makes dentists cringe. Using your teeth as tools can cause them to
crack or chip. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers handy. Bottom line,
your teeth should only be used for eating.
Sports Drinks
There's no
doubt a cold sports drink is refreshing after a good workout. But these drinks
are usually high in sugar. Like soda or candy, sugary sports drinks create an
acid attack on the enamel of your teeth. Drinking them frequently can lead to
decay. A better way to stay hydrated at the gym is to chug sugar-free,
calorie-free water.
Constant
Snacking
Snacking
produces less saliva than a meal, leaving food bits in your teeth for hours
longer. Avoid snacking too frequently, and stick to snacks that are low in
sugar and starch -- for example, carrot sticks.
Smoking
Cigarettes, as
well as other tobacco products, can stain teeth and cause them to fall out as a
result of gum disease. Tobacco can also cause cancer of the mouth, lips, and
tongue. If you were looking for one more reason to quit, think of your smile.
Binge Eating
Binge eating
often involves excessive amounts of sweets, which can lead to tooth decay.
Binging and purging (bulimia nervosa) can do even more damage to dental health.
The strong acids found in vomit can erode teeth, making them brittle and weak.
These acids also cause bad breath. Bulimia can lead to a variety of serious
health problems, so be sure to talk to your doctor if you have been purging.
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