Houston dentist Dr. Terri Alani has some advice on how to break bad dental habits.
“You're eating the popcorn, and all of a sudden in between (your teeth) you get this popcorn kernel. People actually like to suck on popcorn kernels, (and) we totally disapprove of that as dentists,” Alani said.
With the wrong bite, you can break a tooth. Alani said it doesn’t take much to break one; even a simple tearing motion, such as biting your nails, a chip bag or a hairpin, can bring people to her office.
“Let’s not use our teeth as tools, OK? How many times do you see people take a pack of something and open it up with their teeth?” she asked. “If you have any weak enamel, especially at the front of your teeth, then on the edges you can actually break or chip (the tooth).”
Stress on your teeth is made worse if you grind them at night. Alani does not recommend over-the-counter solutions, but does suggest wearing a mouthpiece at night and during contact sports.
“You want a custom-made night guard,” she said. “It's going to be fit so it fits tighter, so it's going to protect your teeth better.”
It's no secret that people will still drink soda, but Alani suggests drinking from a straw and pointing the straw to the top of your mouth so the acidity doesn't sit on your teeth.
If you eat something acidic, wait 30 minutes to brush your teeth so you're not brushing the acid around in your mouth.
When you brush, use a soft- to medium-bristled brush. Alani said hard bristles cause gum recession and sensitivity.