We all know that eating candy, drinking sugar-sweetened soft drinks and failing to brush/floss daily can lead to a variety of tooth and gum problems. But there are many other, less obvious things many of us do every day that can lead to serious oral issues as well. Here are 10 bad habits to avoid if you want to save your teeth:
1) Nail biting. Habitual nail biding is not only bad for your fingertips, but it can lead to cracks and serrations along the edges of your front teeth.
2) Using teeth as scissors, bottle openers, etc. Many of us habitually open cellophane bags with our teeth and some of us even like to rip off bottle caps with our choppers. While an acceptable last resort when actual tools are unavailable and you're close to dying of hunger or thirst, using your teeth as your tool-box-of-choice is bound to lead to serious tooth and jaw degradation.
3) Between-meal snacking. Every time you eat, food particles get lodged between your teeth and promote bacterial growth. The more frequently you eat, the more bacteria your mouth accumulates. Bacterial secretions lead directly to tooth decay, so cut down on the snacks unless you brush more than twice a day.
4) Thumb sucking. Thumb sucking is mostly associated with babies, but many adults suck on their digits as well, especially when nervous. Doing this habitually can push the front teeth out of line, which can then lead to chewing difficulties.
5) Drinking white wine. Many people avoid red wine because its dark coloring can stain teeth. But white wine is even worse for tooth enamel because of its high acidity.
6) Sucking on lemons. High acidity is the culprit here, too. Plus it makes your face pucker up.
7) Over brushing. If brushing your teeth is a good thing, than even more brushing must be even better, right? Nope. Brushing too vigorously, especially around the gum line, can pull gums away from the teeth and expose their roots. Everything in moderation.
8) Tooth grinding. Called "bruxism," this is a jaw-clenching move some people do while under stress — and even more people do in their sleep. If your dentist finds signs of tooth grinding on your molars, you will probably be advised to invest in a sleep-time mouth guard. While expensive, some deem it an excellent investment.
9) Chewing on pens, pencils, etc. Clutching hard objects between the teeth will necessarily wear your teeth down and can even lead to jaw problems.
10) Avoiding the dentist. We understand. A lot of people are afraid of the dentist, but you know what's really scary? A mouth that's falling apart. If you have dentist-phobia, find a dentist who understands and can accommodate your anxieties. And visit at least twice a year.
Prepare to be an Intra-Oral (Level II) Dental Assistant at Everest
Are you considering a career as an intra-oral (level II) dental assistant? The Intra-Oral (Level II) Dental Assistant career education program at the Scarborough campus of Everest College of Business, Technology and Health Care is specifically designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to take the NDAEB exam. The 10-month program begins by teaching a wide range of dental office procedures and clinical laboratory skills (level I) followed by instruction and practical experience in various dental intra-oral skills (level II).
By completing level I, students qualify to write the certification exam offered by the Ontario Dental Assistant Association (ODAA) and, upon passing, attain the designation of certified dental assistant (CDA). Completing the level II courses allows students to write the national level II exam offered by the NDAEB. All graduates must successfully challenge this exam before they can perform intra-oral (level II) skills in a dental office.
About the Scarborough Campus
Everest’s Scarborough campus is at 2425 Eglinton Avenue East in Scarborough, Ontario M1K 5G8. The campus is convenient to many area day care centres, restaurants and shopping. Class schedules are flexible to meet the needs of working adults and students with family obligations. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
Contact Everest for More Information
Interested in preparing for a career as an intra-oral (level II) dental assistant? Then look into contact Everest College’s Scarborough campus today.
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
