If you take good care of your teeth and gums, you can prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but there are certain habits that we are doing unknowingly and lead to toothache.
Bad habits and dental health
Bad habits are easy to develop but are challenging to get rid of it or break. Some people don't realise that certain habits which appear harmless have a significant impact on their dental health.
Habits leading to toothache
Some of these habits, which are very common and we are unknowingly doing, produce an unfavourable effect on our teeth and lead to toothache.
Frequent Snacking
Traditional snacks or sugary foods contain fermentable carbohydrates. The bacteria in the mouth metabolise these sugars into acids and these acids 'leach' minerals from the teeth. With frequent snacking between meals, acid levels in the mouth remain high, and the 'leaching' continues causing caries, disease or tooth decay. Instead of frequent snacking, eat balanced, protein-rich meals and drink plenty of water to wash away leftover food particles, and you will be prevented from uninvited toothache.
Nail Biting
Biting your nails puts your teeth under unnecessary stress, causing the teeth to move and lead to malocclusion. It also weakens the roots that anchor teeth to the gums can accelerate wear on your teeth, causing them to crack, chip and make them sensitive. So it is recommended to trim your nails regularly and use bitter nail polish. Moreover, you can practice stress management exercises to prevent nail-bitingly.
Teeth -not your bottle opener
Never use your teeth for popping bottle caps, rip the tags, open packages, nibble on non-food items, or anything they aren't designed for, as these may lead to severe toothache. It may risk your teeth cracking or accidentally damaging your jaw.
Ice chewing
Chewing on ice can be detrimental to your dental health. Its extreme temperature and hardness can not only harm your teeth and increase dental sensitivity but can damage teeth fillings and other dental restorations. Craving to chew ice is the most common symptom of pagophagia which is related to some nutritional deficiencies. So, if you can't stop yourself from chewing on ice, work to identify and address the cause of your ice chewing habit.
Thumb Sucking
Children are often engaged in thumb sucking even after the eruption of their permanent teeth. It runs the risk of permanently altering their tooth and jaw structure. So, to keep your children from this habit, you need to use positive reinforcement, for example, give small rewards if not thumbsucking, identify triggers such as stress, offer gentle reminders, or consult the dentist if the problem has aggravated.
Rigorous Brushing
The aggressive brushing of your teeth can not only damage your teeth but irritate and recede your gums, irritate them, erode the enamel of your teeth and prone your teeth to sensitivity. To prevent harsh brushing, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and make sure to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when bristles show signs of wear.
Conclusion
Along with the habits mentioned above, there are several more, such as smoking, drinking beverages, teeth grinding and not wearing a mouthguard, which can cause significant damage to teeth and gums. It is imperative to regularly visit your dentist to ensure your teeth and oral health are in prime. Moreover, your dentist can replace your unhealthy dental habits with more healthy alternatives.
