15 unhealthy habits that can cause teeth damage

People often develop bad habits like biting their nails and overeating sweets without realizing the potential harm they can do to their teeth. These habits can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other severe dental problems that cause pain and discomfort. Here, we discuss a few such unhealthy habits that damage the teeth. By being aware of these habits and altering them, you can extend the longevity and health of your pearly whites.

Using the teeth as tools
Using your teeth as tools to open bottles, tear packages, or break hard nuts can cause significant damage. These actions can chip or crack the teeth, damage dental work, and cause jaw problems or gum bleeding. Always use the appropriate tools for these tasks and protect your teeth.

Biting the nails
Nail biting is a common habit associated with stress and anxiety. Besides damaging the nails, it can harm teeth. The constant pressure exerted on the teeth from nail biting can lead to tooth fractures, misalignment, and jaw problems. Finding alternative stress-relieving activities can help break this habit.

Using a toothbrush with hard bristles
A toothbrush with hard bristles may seem to provide more efficient cleaning, but long-term use can cause the enamel to erode and make the teeth more sensitive to damage. Gentle toothbrushes not only do the job of cleaning well but also support dental health.

Chewing ice and hard objects
Chewing on ice, pens, or hard candies can cause tiny cracks in the teeth, leading to significant problems over time. These habits can also damage existing dental work, like fillings or crowns. Avoid chewing on hard objects to protect your teeth from unnecessary harm.

Consuming acidic foods and drinks
Acidic foods and beverages like citrus fruits, sports drinks, energy drinks, vinegar, and carbonated drinks can weaken and erode the enamel, making the teeth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic foods and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to minimize the effects of the acid content.

Playing sports without mouth guards
Engaging in contact sports like ice hockey, football, lacrosse, or boxing without wearing a mouth guard puts your teeth at risk of injury. A sudden impact on the face can result in broken or knocked-out teeth. Wearing a properly-fitted guard can protect your teeth during such activities.

Skipping flossing
Irregular flossing is among the most unhealthy habits that damage the teeth. Brushing alone cannot reach the tight spaces where food particles and plaque accumulate. Flossing helps remove these substances, preventing tooth decay and gum disease. So, make it a habit to floss daily to maintain optimal oral hygiene.

Using excessive whitening products
Teeth whitening products can enhance your smile, but excessive or improper use can be dangerous. Research shows that these whitening products usually contain hydrogen peroxide, an ingredient that can weaken dentin—the protective layer of the teeth below the enamel. Consult a dentist before using products or practices to whiten your teeth at home.

Ignoring dental issues
Neglecting dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth sensitivity can worsen the condition over time. On the other hand, prompt dental care can prevent further damage to the teeth and gums.

Delaying or skipping dental check-ups
Regular check-ups are crucial for early detection and prevention of dental issues. Dentists can detect the early signs, provide professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar, and offer personalized advice for maintaining healthy teeth. Delaying or skipping these appointments can worsen oral problems, and you would require extensive and costly treatments later on. Experts recommend check-ups and cleanings every six months.

Overconsuming staining foods and beverages
Frequently consuming deeply pigmented foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and berries can stain your teeth over time. Brushing or rinsing the mouth after consuming these items can minimize the staining effects. Additionally, professional teeth whitening treatments can help restore the natural brightness of your smile.

Frequent snacking
Snacking throughout the day, especially on sugary or starchy foods, exposes the teeth to a constant acid attack. Each time you eat, the bacteria in the mouth produce acid that damages tooth enamel. To avoid this, limit snacking on these items and opt for healthier options like fruits, vegetables, or nuts.

Using toothpicks incorrectly
Toothpicks can help dislodge food particles stuck between the teeth. But instead of forcefully prying or jabbing them between your molars, use gentle strokes. Interdental cleaners can also safely remove trapped debris.

Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding is the habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep or stress. The excessive force exerted on the teeth while grinding can affect the enamel, lead to jaw pain, and weaken the teeth gradually.

Thumb sucking
Thumb sucking is a common habit among infants and young children, as it provides them with comfort and security. However, prolonged thumb sucking can have adverse effects on dental health. The continuous pressure and suction on the thumb can cause misalignment of the teeth and jaw, leading to an open bite or an overbite. It can also affect teeth growth and speech development. If thumb sucking persists beyond the age when permanent teeth begin to erupt, parents should encourage their children to break the habit gradually to prevent long-term dental problems.

    RECENT ARTICLE

  • Popular Amazon jobs and their average pay scale
  • Oil heating: From an element of science to a service
  • 4 mediums to find out about school closings list
  • Renovate your Kitchen with Top-notch Kitchen Appliances from Lowe’s

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • Why you should invest invest in fixed income
    Fixed income is sometimes considered boring, but they're a lot safer than other options. Even though these attributes can be unattractive when it comes to the equity bull market, experts believe otherwise. Debt markets in the country have emerged from the foundation in leading banks. According to financial experts, the longevity of fixed income through dozens of economic cycles testifies to their credibility. The government has never defaulted when it comes to paying off debts. There are some reasons behind the popularity of fixed income funds. Stability In Regular Income: The most convincing reason why rising numbers of investors consider fixed income investment is due to its ability to produce income. Government bonds also offer stability since they scarcely default on payments. But there's a slight chance of big companies to default on their interest payments. Even if the situation turns against you, you can rest assured that you'll be compensated. A Broad Range Of Diversity: Fixed income investments offer incredible counterbalance to available equities in multi-asset portfolios. As an investor, you can reduce the risk of investment in your portfolio by opting for fixed income investments, since there's little correlation between two types of assets over a long period of time. Lowered Volatility: If you track the evolution of fixed income investments, you'll find that they're relatively safer compared to equity. Thus, it can be considered that you won't incur losses on your actual investments. Also, note that regular fluctuations in the prices of bonds are lower compared to that of equity markets. A Wide Array Of Bond Choices: Fixed income investment is a class of broad assets made from a wide range of options. You can choose from high-yield, investment grade corporates, emerging-market debt, inflation-oriented bonds, municipal bonds and others. Different factors cast their impacts on every single bond type. This allows it to become diverse within fixed income investment as a whole. A Steady Flow Of Income: Besides the advantage of capital appreciation, fixed income investments offer security by ensuring a steady flow of revenue generated from the balance of the portfolio. The bonds, along with preferred stocks, can fetch you steady dividends along with interest payments. In turn, this creates consistent cash flow for investors. The rate of fixed income and dividend rates would be set when you invest the money. This payment is guaranteed as long as the issuing body doesn't default. The feature of the fixed income securities is the primary reason why fixed income securities have attracted investors nearing retirement. These reasons are bound to propel you into investing in fixed income without looking for riskier investment options.
  • Treating arthritis: A brief overview
    One can never say when arthritis may come and snatch away a person's ability to climb up multiple flights of stairs. Arthritis leaves the joints weak and swollen, and you lose the ability to move or perform even the simplest of daily chores. Whether you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, there is no need for any other discomfort to intervene with your daily life. With effective arthritis treatment, you will be able to come to terms with the symptoms of the ailment. Diet plays a major role It is not always required to take medicines for reducing arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in a regular workout and taking a well-regulated diet can help in reducing the pain and swelling. You must pay attention to losing weight if you are obese or even overweight. Also, you should aim to reduce the intake of arthritis foods high in purine content. These include sardines, dried beans, meat, kidney and liver meat, asparagus, mushrooms, and anchovies. When the body breaks down these purines, it leads to the production of uric acid. The excessive formation of uric acid can pave the way for painful crystal accumulation in the joints. In general, fried food, processed food, and pasteurized products are all best avoided to alleviate arthritis pain. Such types of arthritis food produce glycation end product, which increases the swelling, thereby resulting in more pain. Prescribed medication from the doctor is a must. Before you start any medication, it is imperative to consult the doctor for a prescription, dosage, and other related things. NSAIDs - You must have come across a group of medications called the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Such medicines interfere with the chemicals termed as prostaglandins present in the body, triggering pain and inflammation. These medicines offer excellent remedies to relieve swelling and pain in all kinds of arthritis. Analgesics - Another group of medicines known as analgesics are more helpful in arthritis treatment for pain, but they generally don't have any effect on inflammation. Counterirritants - Certain variants of ointments and gels consist of ingredients such as capsaicin and menthol. If you can rub these preparations on the aching area, it can effectively interfere with the pain signal transmission from the affected joints and give you some relief from the pain. DMARDs - Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are often used for treating rheumatoid arthritis as they can slow down or even stop the immune system from causing pain and inflammation in the joints. Biologic response modifiers - These medicines are typically used in close conjunction with the DMARDs. This class of medication has been genetically engineered for targeting the different protein molecules involved in immune response. Corticosteroids - This group of medicine is an effective arthritis treatment. Your doctor may ask you to take the medicine orally or injected into the affected joints. Besides these medications, your doctor may recommend you undergo physical therapy. It can help in improving a range of motion and make the surrounding muscles stronger. At times, you may be asked to take braces and splints as well.
  • Top CDMA Phones
    With the arrival of high-performance smartphones on a constant basis, it is hard for one to decide which one to purchase. Here's a list of the best CDMA phones in the market that you can get your hands on.
    • Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Samsung has made its way to the top by creating the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, its best CDMA phone till date. The ultimate Android phone, this is the best CDMA phone which is giving stiff competition to all the phone makers. Priced at about $950, this phone will carve a niche for itself.
    • Sharp Aquos S2 Sharp Aquos S2 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor and a dual camera. With a 5.5 inch display, this phone has a fingerprint scanner and an 8MP front camera. This phone is priced at about $399.00 and has a strong processor with plenty of RAM.
    • Motorola Moto E4 One of the most affordable phones created by Motorola, this is the best CDMA phone that is splash resilient and comes with an Android Nougat, a fingerprint reader, a removable battery, and selfie flash for Snapchat lovers. This phone is priced at about $130.
    • Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus People who want the best CDMA phone that is not only prettier but also has a large screen, this phone is best for you. Along with a fingerprint reader, this Samsung model is another good CDMA phone for all mobile lovers. It is priced at about $850.
    • Google Pixel The Google Pixel is a good iPhone alternative and has an excellent camera. This phone by Google has been elegantly designed and is splash resilient. Along with straight-up usability, this is the best CDMA phone when it comes to beauty and speed. This CDMA phone is priced at about $649.
    • Google Pixel XL A notch higher than the Pixel, the Pixel XL is the best CDMA phone that has a good camera, excellent display, and quality performance. Having a deep consolidation with Google's new Assistant software, this phone is quite expensive and is priced at about $769.00
    • Motorola Moto Z Play This is the most affordable CDMA phone that works quite well with swappable modular accessories and has a battery that refuses to die. Integrated with the quirky Moto Mod feature, this is an excellent mid-range CDMA phone that is priced at about $408.
    • Apple iPhone 7 Plus This CDMA phone has been excellently designed. Apple's iPhone 7 Plus is super fast and has dual rear cameras with 2x optical zoom. With improved battery, Apple iPhone 7 Plus is water resistant and has better storage option. This phone is priced at about $319.00
    • LG K8 V Priced at about $144, this is the best CDMA phone with Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Having removable battery, this model by LG has an 8-megapixel rear camera and 4-megapixel front camera. With an in-built 1.3 GHz Snapdragon quad-core processor, this LG model has internal storage space of 16 GB and a micro SD card slot for expansion that allows storage up to 128 GB.
  • Choose your next winter coat with Nordstrom
    With the technology sector reaching new heights almost every day, various inventions have helped make our day-to-day living easier. This holds true for various online stores that function over the Internet. You can buy almost anything online from the comfort of your home. Tops, jeans, coats, you name it. All you need to do is log on to an online shopping site and shop away. The fall season calls for a variety of coats that you can mix and match with your attire. There are many online stores that have all kinds of simple, classy, funky, and ostentatious ladies coats that sell their products to clients throughout the world. With free shipping worldwide, free returns, and discount offers on merchandise almost every day and for every occasion, finding ladies coats online, especially winter coats, can be an enjoyable experience. If you prefer to have a wide variety of brands available in a broad spectrum of prices, then Nordstrom’s website is one of the best places to go to. The following lists some of the most popular coats for women that you can choose from the Nordstrom website.
    • Available in four different colors, the Diamond Quilted Jacket from Burberry that is ideal for cool evenings is made with 100% polyester and is fully lined with 100% polyamide.
    • The Heritage Trench Coat with Detachable Liner from London Fog, a leading American manufacturer, is a classic double-breasted trench coat. It is time-tested with fine details that enhance its ability to protect from rainy or cold weather. The removable belt, buttoned storm flap, and back vent are some comfort features of this winter coat for women made from 56% cotton and 44% polyester.
    • Canada Goose has the "Lorette" Hooded Down Parka with a genuine coyote fur trim that is both feminine and captures the spirit of rugged luxury. This slim fitting, three-quarter length parka with cozy, lightweight duck-down insulation is available in beautiful colors such as admiral blue, black, limestone, navy, red, and white. With a stand collar, this ladies winter coat has an insulated hood that is trimmed with genuine coyote fur and the double-layer zipped and buttoned placket.
    • The "Manuela" Camel Hair Coat from the Italian brand MAX MARA has intricate pick-stitching details. This is a timeless winter wear coat for ladies that is designed with a convertible collar above the sophisticated wrap-style front. Available in two colors, camel and black, the Camel Hair Coat from MAX MARA that is available online has a coordinating waist-defining belt that gives a feminine shape to the otherwise straight fit.
  • Why do you need leaf blowers for garden cleaning?
    A gorgeous garden is a well-cleaned garden. If you have precious plants and striking garden accents, you must keep it clean on a daily basis. A regular cleaning regime is a must for your garden to save it from looking dull and uninteresting. There are many handy tools like pruners, leaf blowers, rakes, etc., that help you in an efficient cleaning of the garden. Leaf blowers are not just simple cleaning tools. They are a handy tool when you want to make gardening effortless. Read on to know why you need this tool for your garden.
    • It reduces your effort If you think cleaning your garden is getting tedious and time-consuming, leaf blowers are a must-buy. This tool reduces your work largely. A garden rake is enough to remove the thatches and fallen leaves. The effort and time are greater if you use a rake. However, if you are using a leaf blower, it is a matter of few minutes before you sweep away the debris and fallen leaves. Leaf blowers are a super handy tool if you have a large outdoor area with a high amount of dried and fallen leaves. The tool does not require labor, as is the case for a rake.
    • It ensures efficient cleaning A leaf blower propels air with force and pushes it out through a nozzle. It could be fallen leaves, dried flowers, dust particles, or any other debris, a blower can sweep them away efficiently. Not just the waste particles, it can powerfully remove fluffy snow as well. It is more comfortable to clean the debris, thick twigs, fallen leaves, etc., using a blower, especially in winter.
    • It helps in cleaning gutters This is another reason why you need to choose a blower over the rake. You cannot use the rake to clean the gutters, remove the tress stump, etc. However, a blower can help you with that.
    Leaf blowers make a smart investment as they can be used in multiple ways. Make sure you choose the right one after considering your requirements.
  • Guide to buying and selling of used game consoles
    Video gaming consoles are expensive commodities. Often buying brand new gaming consoles for playing video games can be quite pocket pinching. Again the market in current times is flooded with new options of gaming consoles making the one you have outdated in no time. It is then that you will have to go about hunting for new editions of gaming consoles. So what will you do with the older ones? A more sensible thing to do is to sell them to places or markets where they have a demand so that you can get some extra cash from them. Buying pre-owned game consoles This is one of the cheapest ways through which you can buy gaming consoles but at reasonably lower price rates. You can go to retail outlets such as Gamestop, Best Buy, and Play N Trade where you can get good quality used game consoles. You must go through different versions and the items available in stock and then choose as per your requirement. The professionals or experts at the store will check the quality once in front of you so that you can also get a first-hand experience of using the pre-owned game console. The same process can be done through online marketplaces like Amazon, GameFly.com, and Best buy.com where you will be provided with a search option where you can type in the name of the game console you wish to buy. Here you can buy used game consoles for sale on these platforms. It will also show the availability and price. Do make the purchase transaction online so that your order can be processed. Selling of pre-owned game consoles When you go about looking for new gaming consoles, selling your previous game consoles is a wiser decision. Similar to the job of buying used video game consoles you can also go the same way for selling used video game consoles. There are retail outlets in the market who can help you by buying your pre-owned game consoles. All that you must do is to visit them with your device. They will go on your device and will discern its current state. On the basis of the same, a price will be quoted to you that will be handed over while closing the deal. Additionally, you can also visit marketplaces that allow you sell online. Here, you need to upload the description of your product. Interested buyers will get in touch with you to know about your product and also the price quoted by you. If you look ahead to close the deal be realistic in terms of the price that you will quote.