Your teeth and gums do so many things, but there are some things that they just weren’t meant to do! Here are 10 surprisingly common habits that can take a heavy toll on your teeth.
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Bedtime Bottles
Giving a baby a bottle of milk, formula, or juice at bedtime leaves sugars on their teeth overnight, which can lead to significant tooth decay.
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Grinding Teeth
Teeth grinding slowly wears away at teeth. It is often caused by stress or poor sleeping habits. Talk to your dentist if you are having problems trying to stop grinding your teeth.
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Regular use of Cough Drops
Most cough drops are loaded with sugar and have a similar effect on your teeth as hard candies. Brush and drink lots of water after having a cough drop, and keep their use to a minimum.
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Drinking Soda
Sodas are just as detrimental to teeth as candy. They coat your teeth in sugar and acids and eat away at your tooth enamel. Diet soda might have less sugar in it, but usually contains artificial sweeteners, which are even higher in acids.
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Opening things with your Teeth
Opening packages and bottles with teeth is a common habit and is definitely one to avoid! Teeth are for eating and biting. Use a tool when you need to open something!
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Drinking Fruit Juice
Many people think of fruit juice as a healthy alternative to soda. While juices might have beneficial vitamins or minerals, they are still loaded with sugar and contribute to tooth decay. Make sure you follow your juice drink up with water and a tooth brushing.
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Chewing on Pencils
A surprisingly-common habit, chewing on pens and pencils often results in cracked or worn teeth. If you feel the need to chew while working or concentrating, consider chewing on a sugar-free gum instead.
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Chewing on Ice
Many people think of chewing ice as a great, sugar-free, way to cool off on hot summer days. What many people don’t know is that chewing ice commonly causes tooth aches. Consider drinking some ice water and chewing sugar-free gum, instead.
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Drinking Coffee Frequently
Coffee’s dark color and acidity typically results in stained teeth. While this isn’t one of the worst things for your teeth, it’s something you should be aware of. Talk to your dentist about whitening options and remember to brush and floss regularly, especially after enjoying a cup of brew.
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Smoking and Chewing Tobacco
Using tobacco products can result in more than stained teeth, gum disease, and teeth falling out. Cancer of the mouth, lips and tongue are also common health risks. If you really need yet another reason to quit, consider your smile!