We all know that there are dental habits that are great for improving and maintaining dental health. These habits include things like brushing and flossing your teeth daily, visiting a dentist regularly, and drinking lots of water. But did you know that there are also bad dental habits that you should avoid? Our team at NW Hills Dental and Orthodontics is happy to go over a few bad dental habits to avoid with you.
Brushing Too Vigorously
While brushing your teeth twice daily is a great habit to have, scrubbing your teeth is a bad one. Brushing your teeth too hard can damage the tooth enamel instead of increasing your oral health. Dr. Ronald Cass and our team recommend brushing your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Using Teeth as Tools
Many of us habitually use our teeth as tools. It is so convenient to bite our nails or open a package with our teeth when nail clippers or scissors aren’t handy. However, using teeth on non-food items can cause chipped or otherwise damaged teeth. If you find yourself doubling your teeth as tools, we suggest getting a multi-tool or nail clippers for your keychain.
Drinking Soda
It’s a no brainer that sugary drinks are bad for your teeth, as bacteria feed on sugar. However, did you know that even diet sodas are bad for your teeth? The acidity in sodas can potentially cause lots of damage to the teeth. Switch to water for a healthier smile.
Skipping Dental Appointments
Even if you brush and floss your teeth as you should, it is imperative that you come in for a routine dental appointment at least twice a year. Skipping these dental appointments could have negative consequences for the health of your smile.
We invite you to contact our office at 512-345-2655 today to learn more and to schedule a visit with our dentist in Austin, Texas.