While there are a variety of things people need to do to ensure they look their best, protecting their teeth is extremely important. Unfortunately, there are many bad habits that many people do that damage their teeth.
Despite this fact, however, there are solutions you can employ to prevent yourself from damaging your teeth through bad habits. Here are some bad habits that damage your teeth as well as solutions that can prevent you from doing them, provided by San Antonio dentist, Dr. Craig Carlson.
1. Coffee.
Even though coffee is a very popular beverage to consume, many people don’t realize that drinking it consistently can stain teeth. Sometimes people realize how bad coffee is for their teeth and they stop drinking it. However, many people love coffee and are not willing to give it up to protect their teeth. If this is the case for you, you can simply drink your coffee through a straw so the dark liquid doesn’t stain your pearly whites.
2. Chewing Ice.
Chewing ice is a habit that many people do to relieve stress or prevent boredom. And while it’s effective for curing either of these conditions, chewing ice is especially bad for your teeth because it can cause them to chip or crack. In recognizing this fact, people who find the act of chewing ice pleasurable or rewarding should know that they can simply chew gum.
3. Drink Soda.
While many people drink soda religiously, it’s not a good idea for several reasons. Beyond the health problems that arise from consuming too much sugar, constantly drinking soda can cause a layer of sugar and acid to build up on your teeth. If this happens continuously, the buildup can cause your teeth to slowly but surely decay. To avoid the debilitating effects of soda, turn to healthier options that won’t harm your teeth like natural fruit juices.
4. Open Something With Your Teeth.
Opening objects with teeth is probably the most common way that individuals damage their teeth. Whether you have a habit of opening bottle caps with your teeth or opening other objects this way, know that the end result can be unsightly cracks or chips on your teeth. Since this is the case, you should do everything you can to break free from this potentially debilitating habit. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is to avoid using products that you tend to open with your teeth. If you feel the need to continue using a product that does not have a lid or lid that opens easily, remember that it takes 21 days to form a habit and recognize the need to change your behavior to protect your teeth. .
If you’re interested in looking and feeling your best as often as possible, you should know that taking good care of your teeth is a great way to achieve this goal. To make this happen, consider implementing some or all of the suggestions listed above so that you don’t continue to engage in behaviors that could damage your teeth. In doing so, you will find that your pearly whites become one of the best beauty-enhancing aspects of your physical appearance. Good luck!
Dr. Craig Carlson, is a board-certified cosmetic dentist based in San Antonio. From porcelain veneers and gum sculpting, to Invisalign and cosmetic crowns, Dr. Carlson helps his patients achieve their dream smile. For more information contact him at Google+.
