You Could Be Ruining Your Teeth with These Common Bad Habits

You know the drill: Brush and floss twice a day and get professional cleanings twice a year — otherwise, you invite dental problems. 

While proper oral hygiene is essential to protecting your teeth, it’s only the beginning. Unfortunately, most of us engage in bad habits daily that put our oral health at risk.

At his private practice in Santa Monica, California, board-certified general and family dentist Jason Ray, DDS, sees firsthand the damage adults and children unknowingly inflict on their teeth. Here, he breaks down five everyday bad habits you need to know — and stop.

1. Brushing too hard

Brushing is an essential part of good oral hygiene. But brushing your teeth too aggressively can cause as many problems as not brushing at all. That’s because pushing too hard or using bristles that are too firm can wear down your teeth and gums. 

When you brush, use a lighter hand and brush in small, gentle circles for about two minutes. Depending on your teeth and gums, Dr. Ray can offer additional tips on proper brushing techniques and recommend the best toothbrush. 

2. Abusing your teeth

Do you find yourself chewing on the ends of pens or pencils? Is it hard to resist the satisfying crack of an ice cube or piece of hard candy between your teeth? These are just a few examples of how you could abuse your teeth without knowing it.

Whether biting a fingernail or using your teeth to tear open a package, you risk breaking, cracking, or chipping them. Save the chewing for items your teeth are designed for, like food.

3. Clenching or grinding your teeth

It can be hard to tell if you’re clenching or grinding your teeth because you may not realize you're doing it. However, this problem can damage your oral health. 

Over time, jaw clenching — also known as bruxism — can wear your teeth and gums and cause cracks and fractures. If you think you could be clenching or grinding your teeth, Dr. Ray can offer personalized treatment options to help preserve your oral health.

4. Using tobacco products

Do you need another reason to ditch cigars, chewing tobacco, or cigarettes? It’s time to think about your oral health. Obvious issues associated with tobacco use include teeth staining and bad breath. 

But tobacco also increases your chances of gum disease and tooth decay. That’s because smoking reduces blood flow to your gums and decreases saliva flow in your mouth, factors that can increase unhealthy levels of bacteria in your mouth.

Using tobacco also increases your chances of oral cancer. 

5. Consuming too much sugar 

You probably know that sweets like candy and soda are sour for your teeth. But did you know that other seemingly healthy things can cause just as many problems? 

When it comes to hidden sugar, some of the biggest culprits are cold-pressed juices, chewable vitamins, barbecue sauce, and dried fruit. These sugary items feed the bacteria in your mouth, converting it to acid. Acid can wear away the enamel of your teeth and cause cavities to form.

Fortunately, you can take steps to enjoy your favorite treats while protecting your teeth. Can’t give up your glass of cold-pressed juice? Dr. Ray recommends using a straw to keep it from touching your teeth, then waiting at least 45 minutes after consuming it to brush your teeth. 

Ditch the chewable, gummy options if you take vitamins and choose a pill form instead. 

Last, but not least, remember to brush and floss your teeth as soon as you finish eating, and don’t skip your regular professional dental cleanings.For more tips on protecting your teeth, call Jason Ray, DDS, at 310-581-5700 or request an appointment online today.