7 Things that are damaging your Enamel

There are a number of habits that can hurt your mouth on a daily basis, but try to avoid these 7 things that can hurt your teeth.

1. Chewing on Pens, Bottle Caps & Anything That isn’t Food

Most of us have had the urge to chew on a soda bottle cap or water bottle, and many of us do chew on pens. However, these bad habits can spell trouble. The dirt on these objects can accumulate in your teeth and promote growth of bad germs. This leads to tooth damage and decay. The contact with such objects can also gradually destroy your enamel.

2. Opening Wrappers with Teeth

From a bucket of chips to candy wrappers, we've all had to use our teeth to open packages when scissors aren't around. But for the sake of your teeth, avoid doing this and take the extra time to find a tool other than your teeth to open the package.

3. Grinding Your Teeth

Some people have a natural reaction to anxiety that involves grinding their teeth, either while awake or sleeping. When you grind your teeth back and forth, this can wear them down, as can clenching your teeth. Grinding also wears down enamel, opening the door to tooth decay. If you are struggling with grinding and clenching, ask your dentist if a mouth guard may be a good option for you.

4. Avoid Excessive Over-Whitening

There are many easy-to-use, safe and effective whitening products available at drugstores and pharmacies now. Try to stick to a few you like and use only as directed. If you are whitening your teeth too often with too many products, it can lead to tooth sensitivity. If you have worn enamel or sensitive teeth, whitening may not be a good practice for you and may negatively affect already vulnerable teeth.
If you have any gum, mouth or teeth concerns, check with your dentist first to see if whitening treatments are a safe option for you.

5. Getting a Tongue Piercing

Having a piece of tongue jewellery inside your mouth can chip and shave your teeth, leading to an expensive treatment, and worn enamel.

6. Smoking

When you have stains on your teeth, they don't just look bad and unappealing, they can actually make your teeth more vulnerable to damaging germs.

7. Medications

Even some medications that are available over the counter, without a prescription, such as cough medications loaded with sugar and antihistamines, can lead to dry mouth, which can in turn lead to tooth decay.