Some people think that a bad oral habit is not really going to do much other than maybe hurt a tooth. However, there are some really bad oral habits that people need to stop doing, as they can have much larger consequences. If you do any of these bad habits, you need to stop doing them right away. It could be the best way to protect yourself from long-term harm.
Bad Habits to Stop Doing Immediately
Chewing on a toothpick is one of the worst habits that you can have. It may not seem like a big deal, but it can actually be not only dangerous, but also deadly. More than 9,000 people each year get injured from chewing on toothpicks, and some of those people have even died.
Chewing on ice is another bad habit that people need to stop doing. Not only can it fracture your teeth to chew on ice, but it can also splinter into sharp shards that cut into your cheeks or other oral tissues. Chewing on ice is also known to cause increased dental sensitivity and make your mouth more prone to cavities. Ice chewing can be a sign of low iron levels in the body. See your physician if you have this urge.
Using your teeth as a tool to open something, such as to open a bottle, can significantly damage your teeth. It often causes teeth to crack or break, which can lead to pain, infection, or even choking on the tooth.
If you consistently do any of these things, then you need to make sure to stop doing them. Plus, you also need to make sure that you talk to your dentist. They need to make sure that your mouth is in good health, and that your teeth are also strong. Doing any of these things could leave your teeth with hairline fractures that could become painful down the line, or even cause your teeth to break off.
Please contact our office for more information on breaking bad oral habits.