Save It Before You Lose It Forever
When you lose tooth enamel, you can’t get it back—that’s why it’s so important to protect it while you have it. Sure, you can brush your teeth, and you can floss those hard-to-reach spots, but some habits destroy enamel without you realizing it. With that, let’s dive into a few common things that harm your teeth.
1. Teeth Grinding
Otherwise known as bruxism, teeth grinding is a dangerous habit that wears on your chompers. It whittles down the enamel, it can expose sensitive roots, and it can even lead to trouble with your gums. It’s best to invest in a mouth guard or speak with your dentist about solutions.
2. Alcohol
Alcohol never does our body any good, but it’s just as harmful to our teeth. Those cocktails dry out your mouth, which can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, thereby causing rotten tooth enamel. Stick to your limits and don’t overindulge on the weekends.
3. Chewing Ice
Not everyone has this nasty habit, but it damages the teeth of those who do. Chewing ice seems perfectly harmless until you realize all the detriments: cracked teeth, damaged work, and worn-down enamel are just some of the hazards associated with it.
4. Too Much Sugar
As you well know, sugar doesn’t do the body any good. However, it’s not any better for your teeth. An excess of sugar, whether it’s in sweets or your favorite foods, can erode the enamel and cause cavities.
5. Nail Biting
We can’t help but bite our nails sometimes, especially in stressful situations. The thing is, using your teeth to gnaw on hard surfaces only weakens the enamel. It also runs the risk of broken teeth and serious germ exposure.
