Bad Habits That Are Harmful To Teeth And Gums

At Dr. Ian Gray Dental Group, we care greatly about the state of your oral health. We often share helpful ways that you can improve the state of your oral health. Today, we want to share some common bad habits that may lead to problems with your teeth and gums in the near future. Although it may be hard to break these habits, we encourage you to try as a way to prevent a problem. Here are some bad dental habits that you may want to change:

Biting Your Nails
Not only is biting your nails harmful to your oral health because of the germs you are introducing into your body, but you are also increasing the risk of chipping a front tooth or developing canker sores.

Chewing on Ice
This is such a common habit, and most people are not aware of the damage they can cause to their teeth, especially their molars. Ice is such a hard substance that it is almost like chewing on a rock. While chewing ice may not always cause damage, it can eventually lead to the rear molars becoming cracked and broken.

Using Teeth as Tools
When you need to open a package or cut a tag quickly, it can be tempting to use your teeth in place of scissors. While it may seem like your teeth are a helpful tool, they are anything but. It is wise to take the extra few minutes to get the appropriate tool. Using your teeth in this manner can cause your front teeth to chip and crack.

Clenching and Grinding Your Teeth
Many people are surprised to learn that they clench and grind their teeth, especially during the night. Over time this can lead to worn and weakened enamel and cracked or broken teeth.

If you are located in Newmarket, ON or the surrounding area and are concerned that any of these bad habits have already caused damage to your teeth, please call our office to schedule an appointment. We can work together to come up with a dental plan that is right for you and your needs. We look forward to seeing you soon!