We all know that unhealthy food and sweets have a negative effect on our teeth. However, there are also many other lesser-known bad habits that can endanger dental health.

In this week’s blog by Dental Center 4Smile, you can find out which five habits harm your teeth and smile.

Chewing ice

Sometimes out of boredom we feel the need to chew ice cubes; but that’s definitely not a smart idea.
Teeth are hard, but so are ice cubes, and constant contact between two hard surfaces never ends well.

The more you chew ice, the weaker your teeth become. You can damage your enamel, a piece of your tooth might even break off, or your gums may become irritated.

Nail biting

Generally, nail biting is bad because it’s unhealthy, unhygienic, and often a sign of nervousness. However, it’s also dangerous for your teeth.

Constant nail biting damages the enamel, causes teeth to crack or shift, and the germs under your nails can lead to gum infections and more serious diseases affecting your whole body.

Teeth grinding / clenching

We often clench or grind our teeth unconsciously when we’re angry or nervous.
This is very bad for your teeth, and if done repeatedly, it leads to wear and damage.

Clenching or grinding can also cause serious dental issues, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
Frequent, unconscious grinding or clenching of the teeth is called bruxism.

Brushing too hard

Brushing is good for your teeth, but brushing too hard or pressing your toothbrush excessively is not.
It damages your gums and causes inflammation, which can lead to infection or gum recession.

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and gently brush your teeth (with short strokes) for about two minutes.

Improper use of teeth

Using your teeth to open bottles, tear tough materials, or hold things when your hands are full is risky.
Teeth are not designed to be multi-purpose tools, and improper use can cause them to crack or chip.

If you are guilty of any of the habits mentioned above, it’s likely that your oral health is already at risk.

Please visit your dentist in Zagreb as soon as possible before a small problem turns into a serious one.