We all know the most common mistakes people make when it comes to their oral health, such as eating or drinking sugary food or beverages, or not brushing on a regular basis. But did you know that you could be hurting your oral health by biting your nails? It’s true! When you bite your nails, your lower jaw is protruding outward, in an unnatural way. This can cause jaw pain, wear down the enamel of your teeth and it leads to chipping! Check out a few other things that can cause damage to your teeth:

Not drinking enough water

Drinking water helps wash out food particles that may be left on your teeth after a meal. Also, a dry mouth is more likely to accumulate bacteria and cause tooth decay and cavities. So, skip the energy and sugary drinks and reach for some good ol’ H2O!

Brushing too vigorously

Weird, right? You think the harder you brush the more bacteria you’re getting, but that’s actually not the case at all! Overzealous brushing at the gum line can worsen gum recession. Gently brushing twice a day is the way to go!

Too much acidity

Sugar always seems to be the star of the show when it comes to foods to avoid for good dental health, but acid is up there as well. Fruits such as lemons and oranges are high in acid as well as some juices and can eat away at your enamel. Even some salad dressings have high acidity levels! So, make sure you’re limiting your intake and brushing after consuming!

Using your teeth as a tool

We’re all guilty of using our teeth as a tool at some point. Whether you can’t get that pesky packet open or ripping a tag off, we’ve all done it. Well, stop right now! Using your teeth as a tool can cause serious damage and can lead to chipped or cracked teeth.

Chewing Ice 

Chewing ice doesn’t seem like that bad of a thing, it’s just water, right? WRONG! What we seem to forget is that ice is a hard and solid substance, not meant to be chomped on. Chewing ice can cause a chip or crack in your teeth, so avoiding it can save you a lot of time and pain!

Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking to some kids is a sense of comfort but what they don’t know is that it’s causing a lot of damage to their teeth. The thumb is pressing on the upper palate causing permanent teeth to move and spread apart. Most dentists will give tips on how to break the thumb sucking cycle!

Smoking 

Smoking already has so many proven health risks, and damage to your mouth is one of them. Aside from the smelly breath and stained teeth, smoking can cause a build-up of plaque and bacteria that can lead to gum disease.

Questions or want to schedule an appointment? Call 603-624-3900 today!