{"id":812,"date":"2018-01-14T22:53:25","date_gmt":"2018-01-14T22:53:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lehighvalleydentalhealth.com\/blog\/?p=812"},"modified":"2018-02-12T21:08:00","modified_gmt":"2018-02-12T21:08:00","slug":"habits-damage-teeth-dentist-in-lehigh-valley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lehighvalleydentalhealth.com\/blog\/habits-damage-teeth-dentist-in-lehigh-valley\/","title":{"rendered":"Habits That Damage Your Teeth from Your Dentist in Lehigh Valley"},"content":{"rendered":"

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We all know that old habits die hard. Whether you like to sip coffee every morning or chew on ice when you\u2019re feeling nervous, it can be hard to cut back or quit. However, most people don\u2019t realize their actions are negatively impacting their oral health, so it\u2019s not entirely their fault.<\/p>\n

If you want to keep your teeth in the best condition possible, consider kicking these unconscious habits. Your teeth and your dentist in the Lehigh Valley will thank you later.<\/p>\n

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Playing Sports Without Proper Protection<\/h2>\n

Whether you\u2019re playing football, basketball, or any other sport with the potential for high-impact face trauma, wearing a mouthguard can mean the difference between healthy teeth and chipped teeth.<\/p>\n

To combat this, consider getting a mouthguard, preferably from your dentist. They can make a custom one that fits your teeth exactly, offering the best protection possible. Make it a habit to wear it every time you participate in sports where the risk of damaging your teeth is present.<\/p>\n

Eating Certain Foods<\/h2>\n

Did you know that chewing ice can actually crack your teeth? While it may seem harmless, ice is incredibly hard and if chewed regularly can still wear down your tooth enamel. If you insist on eating ice, allow it to melt inside your mouth and slide down your throat rather than chewing it.<\/p>\n

Even more likely to crack your tooth is the hard candy they might offer in your workplace or during Halloween. Cut these out of your diet entirely and you\u2019ll dramatically improve your chances of keeping your teeth in one piece.<\/p>\n

Using Your Mouth as a Tool<\/h2>\n

If you find it entertaining to unscrew the cap off a beer bottle for your friends, you\u2019ll regret it when your dentist tells you your enamel has completely worn down as a result of it. This goes for using your teeth on any other inedible material to complete a task or satisfy a nervous habit. Opening plastic packages, chewing on pen caps, and biting your nails are just a few of the ways you accelerate the erosion of your tooth enamel. Without it, your dentin becomes exposed, causing increased teeth sensitivity.<\/p>\n

Staining Your Teeth Without Knowing It<\/h2>\n

If you consume any of the following substances on a regular basis, your teeth are at risk of being stained by them. This includes:<\/p>\n