Blog

What are the Worst Dental Habits?

You try your best to take care of your teeth, and visit Leeds City Dentalcare for regular check-ups and cleanings, but do you have one or two habits that you just know dentists in Leeds would frown on? A lot of people do, but do you know why they are so bad for you, and how you can stop them? We have put together a list of the worst dental habits, and how they can be prevented.

• Crunching on ice-cubes. Most of us have done this one, but some people make more of a habit of it. It might seem harmless, but it could damage your teeth. Crunching on hard ice can cause microscopic cracks to form in your tooth enamel. Every time you bite down these cracks will open up very slightly, and can allow bacteria to enter the tooth. This could lead to decay and infection that will require treatment with one of dentist in Leeds. One of the first signs that this might be happening is noticing your teeth are more sensitive when exposed to hot and cold foods.
• Using your teeth to open things. If you are struggling to open a packet then it is all too easy to use the first thing that comes to hand…your teeth. This habit can be very hard on your teeth, and can chip, crack or fracture them. It is worth bearing in mind that you could end up requiring restorative dental work at Leeds City Dentalcare, and that it is healthier, and far cheaper to just use the correct tools that have actually been designed for the task in hand.
• Teeth grinding. Teeth grinding, or clenching your teeth can cause extensive damage to both your teeth and gums. This habit is frequently related to stress, and one of the problems is that it can occur only at night. Some people are completely unaware they have this habit until they are told about the row they make grinding their teeth while asleep. Teeth grinding does require action, as it will wear down the teeth and can cause the gums to recede due to the forces created when grinding. It can also place a lot of pressure on the muscles in the face, and in particular the joints used to move the jaw. Dr David Brown or another of our dentists in Leeds can supply you with a custom made mouthguard that will help protect your teeth. This may be enough to break the habit as it will help to place your jaw in a more relaxed position, but if the problem is stress related then you will need to resolve this problem.
• Using a very hard bristled toothbrush. Some people choose to use a toothbrush that has very hard bristles in the mistaken belief that it will clean their teeth more effectively. This really isn’t necessary, and it is much kinder on your teeth and gums if you pick a brush with quite soft bristles. Great tooth brushing is all down to technique, and you don’t need to brush very hard to remove plaque and debris from your teeth. If you are unsure about brushing your teeth correctly, or would simply like a quick refresher on brushing techniques then ask our dental surgery in Leeds for help.