Stop These Habits to Save Your Teeth!
We all have habits. However, some of these could actually be damaging your teeth. Escondido Dental has wants to help you identify and remedy these behaviors. Take note of the three common habits below.
Are You a Snacker?
We all love a tasty snack. However, if we constantly have food in our mouth the chances of our getting a cavity increases. Why? As bacteria feed on food particles they leave behind an acid that can eat away at the surface of teeth, thereby weakening a tooth's defenses against cavities. The more often you eat the more bacteria will be present.
To help with this, try rinsing or brushing your teeth after each meal! Also opt for tooth healthy snacks like veggies instead of candy or chips.
Nail Biting!
Did you know that tons of bacteria live beneath our nails? If you are a nail biter, you are releasing that bacteria into your mouth. This has the potential to negatively effect your gum health! Further, you can cause damage to your jaws and even chip teeth and damage enamel if you are constantly chewing on those nails.
Nail biting can often be the result of stress. Although we cannot remove all the stress in our life, try finding a stress reliever, for example, going for a walk or listening to music!
Bruxism
Just as nail biting can result in jaw problems and chipped teeth, so can teeth grinding. Grinding your teeth or Bruxism can even result in headaches due to the force that is being exerted. However, you may say how can I stop this habit if I do it in my sleep? Get a night guard! Worn while you sleep, this appliance protects your teeth by taking the brunt of the force as you grind your teeth. It is made of a durable plastic material which is made in office and provides a personal fit.
We Can Help!
Perhaps you are guilty of one or all of these habits and have incurred some damage on your teeth. Chipped tooth? Sensitivity due to erosion? Misalignment? Please call us! We provide night guards, tooth colored fillings, crowns and more!