"Get That Thing Out of Your Mouth"
I'm sure all of us recall our parents warning, cajoling or berating us to "get that thing out of your mouth". Despite these warnings many people continue to practice unhealthy poral habits. Wether it's nail biting to relieve stress or using your teeth for a bottle opener it's true that father (and mother) really did know best.
The following are some unhealthy oral habits that you would be wise to drop as soon as possible.
While these little marvels may be effective for removing food paticles, they often cause food to be wedged deeper between the teeth. In addition a slip or sudden movement can lead to damaged gum and/or lips.
Ice is hard and brittle. This in itself is enough to chip or crack teeth. Fillings and/or teeth are further adversly effected by the expansion and contraction that occurs with the sudden temperature change. The extreme temperature change may affect nerve endings in already sensitive teeth and lead to extreme discomfort.
Although more prevelant in men because women are more conscience of the appearance of their nails, This way of dealing with stress an equal opportunity trouble maker. Persistant nail biting causes excessive wear on teeth, possible loss of tooth root through resorbtion, lacerated gums, microfractures in teeth, spread of skin infections from the hands to the mouth and in sever cases misalignment of teeth.
Although that piece of fruit at the bottom of your glass lookks inviting - resist temptation. The citric acid can remove important minerals from the teeth and lead to thye erosion of enamel. Overtime teeth may develope tiny grooves or may soften making them prone to chipping.
- Using Your Teeth as a Tool