Everyone has annoying habits which we often don’t notice in ourselves. But, when it’s someone else, their bad habits can get on your nerves. Your spouse probably practices dental care: flossing, brushing regularly and going for dental check-ups. However, some habits undermine the good ones and cause harm to your teeth. You want to keep your partner healthy and their smile sparkling. Let’s face it; nobody wants to find out they have bad habits. However, you need to find a way to deal with this sensitive issue. So how do you notice the bad dental habits that they have developed? And how do you convey your concerns and help them change? Here are some practices that your partner needs to change.
Clenching and Grinding
Does your spouse clench their jaw when angry or in stressful situations? Or do they grind their teeth at night? Clenching and grinding are not only irritating but also harmful to one’s teeth. Grinding wears down your white pearls and erodes the enamel leaving your teeth prone to decay.
On the other hand jaw clenching besides being painful can cause lockjaw or chip your teeth. Most people don’t notice that they clench their jaws and grind their teeth when anxious or at night. Sometimes the best way to stop this habit is being aware that you are doing it. Inform your spouse that they usually grind their teeth and if you can figure out the cause there are several remedies. They can use a mouth guard to prevent grinding at night. If it is due to stress, then they can go for counselling or find a routine exercise to help them relax.
Sipping Sugary Drinks
Does your spouse prefer sugary drinks over clean water? Well, it is time to remind them to cut back on the sugar intake. Sugary sodas and acidic beverages increase bacteria in the mouth fostering tooth decay. When asking experts such as those at Pure Dentistry, they are recommending you to drink water above other fluid substitute and that you by adding berries or cucumber to the water still can get another taste to it. Having that said, you can encourage your spouse to reduce soda and beverage intake, by adding such flavour to the drinking water. Also when shopping, avoid buying unhealthy beverages and drinks.
Crunching
Sip a cold drink and then crunch on the remaining ice. Sounds like something your partner does? Crunching is a bad habit that can wreak havoc to one’s teeth. That soothing low temperatures of the ice can cause fractures in your teeth and increase sensitivity. Cracks on your enamel are the beginning of your dental problems. The crunching habit is easy to deal with by replacing the ice cubes with crushed ice. Do away with ice cubes in your house and your partner won’t even notice because the crushed ice serves the same purpose. Using a straw also protects the teeth from the cold temperatures.
Using Teeth as a Multi-Tool
Some people rely on their teeth for opening snack bags or a packet of milk. Some even use it to uncap bottles or rip off price tags on clothes. Using teeth for purposes other than what they are intended for can lead to future dental problems. Some of the materials you are cutting, or opening can be hard on your teeth causing cracks and chips. Some people use their teeth to hold a glass or chew on a pen. These everyday habits are harmful to your teeth. Breaking the habit is the first step in protecting against fractures and tooth decay. To reduce the reliance on teeth for odd jobs, keep scissors and pliers in handy. If the actual tools are within reach, there will be no temptation to use teeth.
Approaching some of the bad habits can be hard. But remember if they don’t break the bad habits they are exposing their teeth to health problems. Replacing or fixing teeth can be expensive and most of them can be avoided by maintaining healthy practices. Always remind your spouse to practice good dental habits.
