Did you know nail biting is one of the many bad habits that can ruin your teeth? Not only does it chip your teeth but it can also affect your jaw. The act can place pressure on the jaw as you protrude it to bite your nails. There is a term known as jaw dysfunction that is associated with it. These and other bad habits mentioned below are those that Canadians should avoid today to keep those precious veneers intact and your smile beautiful!

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Brushing Hard

That’s right, brushing your teeth too hard can have a negative impact on your teeth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the majority of people have a misconception about brushing their teeth. Instead of doing it the correct way, they place pressure on them either by themselves or by using a very hard brush. This can irritate your gums and damage the enamel of the teeth.

The way to combat this is by brushing for two minutes every session, morning and evening, using a soft brush. Look at it as a massage to your teeth and use that hard toothbrush to clean your bathroom tiles instead. If you want to know more about the right pressure when brushing your teeth and other oral care tips, call these dentists in avon lake ohio.

Snacking Constantly

Sugary foods and drinks are some of the worst culprits when it comes to our mouths. As delicious as they may be, snacking every day can ruin your teeth’ health both internally and externally. They can stain your teeth making them brown or yellow and they can also cause cavities and leftover bacteria in between your teeth when you don’t brush and floss properly, further making the cavities worse.

According to a blog from a dentist in Hamilton ON, having a balanced diet is important to have a healthy mouth. Sugary foods can cause enamel-harming bacteria, so it’s key to maintain moderation because having too much can lead to problems. It is not only good for your teeth and overall health, but these types of balanced meals make you feel fuller for longer, thus you don’t feel the need to snack on junk foods. If, however, you do crave the occasional sugary snack, make sure to drink a glass of water after to wash it down and take any leftovers from your teeth with it.

Clenching and Grinding

Something that a lot of people do subconsciously is grinding their teeth while they sleep. This stressful habit can affect your teeth but chipping it slowly as well as cracking them if done continuously. Some people find they cannot chew their food properly because they feel pain from all the clenching and grinding they’ve done the night before.

The Mayo Clinic calls this Bruxism and is a term for grinding of the teeth. It can take place while you are awake as well and is often caused by stress, personality, age, genetics, and other disorders. There is no one treatment for it however one can wear a teeth guard when they sleep. The best thing to do is to seek help from your dentist or doctor.