{"id":112,"date":"2016-04-12T13:35:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-12T13:35:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.smiledaytona.com\/blog\/?p=112"},"modified":"2025-11-03T19:01:34","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T19:01:34","slug":"4-common-habits-that-are-hurting-your-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smiledaytona.com\/blog\/4-common-habits-that-are-hurting-your-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Common Habits That Are Hurting Your Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"dentist<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As your dentist in 32119,<\/span> Dr. Mike Rolfes wants you to know taking good care of your teeth is about more than brushing, flossing and visiting our office for twice-annual checkups. Many adults have little habits that they don\u2019t realize are doing real damage to their teeth! Are you guilty of one of these tooth harmers? If so, learn why (and some tips on how) you should break your habit today.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

#1: Nail biting<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s one of the most common ways we show stress and boredom, by biting our nails. But be careful the next time you\u2019re presenting at a big meeting or tapping your foot in the waiting room — nail biting can cause the front teeth to wear, chip or crack. It\u2019s especially important for people who wear braces to avoid the habit, as the combined pressure of biting and braces can lead to root shortening. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to stop nail biting: <\/span><\/i>When you\u2019re ready to stop, we suggest trying to substitute one habit for another. Try squeezing a stress ball or popping a rubber band anytime you\u2019re tempted to gnaw. Developing this new habit will keep your hands busy — and away from your mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2: Using teeth as a tool<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We have a little saying for this one: tools, not teeth. Sure, sometimes you just really want to get into that bag and don\u2019t have time to find the scissors — but using your teeth as a tool is a quick way to experience breaks, chips or excessive wear. Next time you\u2019re tempted to use your chompers as scissors, pliers or a knife, take our advice\u2026 and just don\u2019t. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to stop:<\/span><\/i> Commit to using your teeth only to bite, speak and eat. You should also reconsider your organizational habits to make finding the correct tool easier when you need it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3: Chewing ice<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One simple way to avoid tooth and gum injuries is to stop chewing on ice — another habit that can be difficult to break, especially in the hot Port Orange summer months. But it shouldn\u2019t come as a surprise that rock hard ice is a major tooth injurer, leading to breakage and wear. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to stop: <\/span><\/i>Remember that you can find similar hydration and crunch with refrigerated apples, celery or carrots. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4: Not flossing<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So this one is actually about a habit you DON\u2019T have, but it\u2019s just as destructive as the others. Adults who don\u2019t floss habitually are at a much greater risk for developing tooth decay and gum disease, the most common cause of missing teeth. Flossing is a crucial part of a good oral hygiene routine, as it thoroughly removes the food particles and bacteria the toothbrush just can\u2019t reach.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to start: <\/span><\/i>If you\u2019d like to floss daily but just can\u2019t make a habit of it, you\u2019ve got to commit. Decide you won\u2019t call your oral hygiene routine complete until you\u2019ve brushed for two minutes and flossed after — and then put the floss somewhere you won\u2019t forget about it, like on your nightstand or on top of your toothbrush.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Questions? Get In Touch Today!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Do you have questions about something you\u2019ve read here, or about anything else regarding your dental health? If so, don\u2019t wait to <\/span>get in touch<\/span><\/a> with Water\u2019s Edge Dental. As your Port Orange Dentist, we\u2019re here to help you maintain a happy, healthy smile today, and for years to come!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As your dentist in 32119, Dr. Mike Rolfes wants you to know taking good care of your teeth is about more than brushing, flossing and visiting our office for twice-annual checkups. Many adults have little habits that they don\u2019t realize are doing real damage to their teeth! Are you guilty of one of these tooth […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[46,51,47,50,33,45,49,48,52],"class_list":["post-112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general-dentistry","tag-breaking-habits","tag-dental-health","tag-developing-habits","tag-flossing","tag-general-dentistry","tag-habits","tag-nail-biting","tag-preventive-dentistry","tag-waters-edge-dental"],"yoast_head":"\n4 Common Habits That Are Hurting Your Teeth<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you unknowingly damaging your teeth with one of these common habits? 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