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You already know there are several things you should do every day to take care of your teeth and gums. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are givens. Using antibacterial mouthwash is optional, but certainly can’t hurt. Beyond what you should do, there are also several things you should avoid doing if you want to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. The Corona dentists at Dental Associates of Corona would like you to bear in mind some bad dental habits for you to avoid.

Picking the Wrong Toothbrush

You might think that using the toothbrush with the stiffest bristles offers the best scrubbing action for your teeth. Stronger is better, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case Using a hard-bristled toothbrush, especially if you are older, can be detrimental to your teeth. As we age, gum tissues recede and expose the roots of your teeth. Your roots and dental pulp are covered with cementum, which is softer and wears away much easier than hard tooth enamel. Brushing too vigorously with a stiff toothbrush can make teeth extra sensitive by irritating your gums.

Chewing Ice Cubes

When you finish a fountain beverage on a hot day it might be tempting to chomp down on the ice left in the bottom of your cup. Resist the urge. The cold temperature and brittleness of ice damages your teeth. Crunching ice causes tiny fractures in enamel which can lead to more serious dental problems.

Opening Packages and Bottles with Teeth

Teeth are for chewing food, not for opening beer bottles or bags of chips. Your smile is also not meant for holding flashlights, removing price tags from new clothing, or gnawing through the thread after you sew on a button. These actions are what real tools are for. Using your teeth as tools will weaken them and possibly chip or fracture them.

Visit your Corona Dentists

Of course one of the worst dental habits you could possibly have is ignoring the need for twice-yearly cleanings and checkups from your Corona dentists. Six-month checkups allow your dentist to clean and polish your teeth but also to monitor your oral health for developing problems. To schedule a consultation, contact our Corona dental office by calling (951)273-9580.