Healthy Teeth: Here are 9 Daily Habits that Are Damaging Your Teeth


Healthy teeth does not always refer to white teeth; it is teeth free from cavity (tooth decay), germs, plaque and other tooth problems.

The mouth they say has a lot to say about one’s health. The mouth which consists of the teeth and other organs indeed has a role to play in the physical well- eing of a person. How? You’ll find out soon…

In the common struggle to attain a white sparkling teeth, people often waive aside the importance or significance of having strong healthy teeth. Healthy teeth does not always refer to white teeth; it is teeth free from cavity (tooth decay), germs, plaque and other tooth problems.

To differentiate between the two; tooth plaque leads to tooth cavity. It is no new phenomenon that bacteria is always found in the mouth and in the teeth. Tiny colonies of living organisms are constantly on the move on the teeth, gums and the entire mouth of a person. While it is normal to have bacteria in one’s mouth, some bacteria are however harmful to the teeth.

See: 7 Workable Tips for Teeth Whitening

Harmful bacteria often times find their way on hard surfaces like the enamel that covers the teeth. When these bacteria overstay their welcome, they can create a sticky buildup of bacterial plaque on the teeth, which leads to several dental problems. These plaques if left unattended, lead to cavity or tooth decay.

Healthy teeth and gums not only give you a beautiful smile but also indicate good oral health and hygiene that play a very important role in your life. However there are things we do almost on daily basis that hugely affects the healthy state of our teeth.

Here are 10 everyday habits we do that prevents us from maintaining a healthy set of teeth;

1. Love For Sugary things

Be it liquid or solid, sugar is a major hindrance to healthy teeth. Bacteria thrive in a moist, dark environment with lots of sugars for nourishment. These harmful oral bacteria which feed on sugars, leads to different tooth problems as mentioned earlier. Intake of sugary substances create acids that destroy the tooth enamel, which is the shiny, protective outer layer of the tooth.

sugar intake

If left unattended, these bacteria can lead to tooth cavity -a bacterial infection created by acids, that cause your teeth to experience a hole in them. Without treatment, cavities can progress past the enamel and into the deeper layers of the tooth, causing pain and possible tooth loss. The acids eat away at tooth enamel. For healthy teeth, simply avoid intake of sugary things.

2.  Opening Stuffs With Your Teeth

 opening things with teeth

Opening bottle caps or plastic packaging with the teeth is another habit that contributes to the damage of one’s teeth. Though it might seem convenient to use the teeth to help ourselves out; it is not advisable to stress and trouble the teeth in such harsh manners. Using your teeth as tools can cause them to crack or chip. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers handy. The teeth is only meant for eating.

3. Chewing on Ice

 chewing on ice

Though the teeth are also for chewing, it is important to avoid hard or frozen substances. Chewing on hard, frozen cubes can chip or even crack the teeth, The fact it feels good is not an excuse to damage your teeth. Constant chewing of hard frozen substances like ice cubes and the likes, can irritate the soft tissue inside a tooth, and can lead to a toothache.

4. Taking very Hot Things

Same with hot substances. The sharpness that comes with very hot and cold things can trigger quick, sharp jabs of pain or a lingering toothache.

5. You Can’t have Healthy Teeth when you Smoke

 tobacco smoking

Constant smoking of tobacco, can stain the teeth and cause them to fall out as a result of gum disease. Stained teeth can lead to mouth odour and every other thing that comse with it, including cavity.

6. Excessive Teeth Bleaching

 teeth whitening

In trying to get white teeth, people tend to do so many things without taking a lot into consideration. Excess bleaching or whitening of the teeth can cause them to look unnaturally white and increase tooth sensitivity. People go as far as purchasing different kinds of hydrogen peroxide for the purpose of whitening the teeth. While these personal teeth whitening medications have not been proved absolutely harmful, it is important to consult a dentist when venturing into teeth bleaching.

If you are serious about whitening your teeth talk with your dentist and decide what is the best method for you. However, professional teeth whitening remains the best way to go in the business of teeth bleaching.

7. Not Replacing your Toothbrush Often Enough

 old toothbrush

For healthy teeth, it is advised that you change your toothbrush. This is because old toothbrushes can be very ineffective and can harbor harmful bacteria that can cause infections.  It’s also important to change your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold, this is because bacteria in which you have treated might find its way back to your toothbrush. The only way to avoid this is by changing one’s toothbrush regularly. It is always advised that people chamnnge their toothbrushes at three months interval.

8. Using a Hard-bristled Toothbrush

 hard-bristled toothbrush

Your teeth should be treated with subtle care. Many a time do people forget to check the quality or texture of the toothbrush they purchase. A hard-bristled toothbrush coupled with an aggressive brushing technique can cause irreversible damage to your gums. When purchasing toothbrush, go for the soft one. Moreso when brushing, brush your teeth gently to avoid hurting the teeth with the edges of the brush, as this can lead to injury or bleeding.

9. Grinding the Teeth

 teeth grinding2

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can wear teeth down over time, as a result of friction and pressure. This is mostly cultivated as a result of stress and sleeping habits, making hard for one to control. However, researchsers have said that wearing a mouth guard at night can prevent the damage caused by grinding while sleeping.