Increased stress can be linked to a tendency to fall prey to bad habits. While it sounds mildly incredulous, there can be a link between stress, the resultant bad habits, and eventually damaged teeth. Habits like nail biting, not flossing, or not brushing at night might not seem like a big deal; however, they can lead to numerous adverse effects in time. Essentially, they can significantly impact dental health and the dental bill.

6 bad habits that damage teeth

Using teeth as tools
The primary activity of teeth is to chew on food and help break it down into smaller pieces, making it easy for digestion. However, that is not all we use our teeth for. On multiple occasions, we use our teeth as tools to get a few other non-eating-related jobs done, like opening a bottle, tearing off plastic packaging, biting nails, and more. All of these activities are potentially harmful to dental health.

Chewing ice
There are few things as crunchy as frozen water. It is no wonder that people are so fond of chewing ice and treating it as a snack. That said, it is not a good habit, neither for the throat nor the teeth. Regularly chewing ice can damage the teeth, roots, and gums. As pleasurable as the activity is in the short run, it can cause extensive damage and lead to painfully sensitive teeth because of exposed roots in the long run.

Biting nails
Ever observed anyone habituated to biting nails when they are thinking hard or trying to figure something out? It is one of the most common habits in children and in adults. However, this bad habit is one that can prove damaging to oral and dental health. It is suggested that biting nails can change the shape of teeth and even cause pain. It is, therefore, best to be avoided for the sake of healthy and pain-free teeth.

Grinding teeth
Some of us are into the habit of unconsciously grinding or clenching our teeth. Most often, it is a sign of holding in stress or anxiety. There are even people who do it in their sleep. It is a bad habit that can cause extensive damage to the teeth. Repeatedly grinding teeth can cause enamel erosion and slowly progress into other dental issues. It is better to speak to the dentist or hygienist about this issue and learn about preventive measures. One option is wearing a mouth guard that might help prevent the damage.

Regular intake of soda
Most of us are fond of reaching for our favorite soda or pop drink to help with the heat or just pair it with a delicious meal. But this habit is not-so-secretly hurting our teeth. Although drinking sodas every once in a while is not that big a deal, making it a regular habit can go a long way in contributing to the rising dental bills. Carbonated beverages or sweetened drinks are known enamel-eroders that result in weakened teeth that are more prone to cavities and damage.

Using a hard bristle toothbrush
Brushing teeth is a vital part of maintaining healthy teeth. However, relying on toothbrushes with hard bristles to do that job is a bad habit that can damage teeth instead. Brushes with hard bristles damage the gums. Instead, use a toothbrush with soft bristles to clean the teeth efficiently and avoid harm to the gums, preventing gum infections.