As Mallory Hopkins once said, “Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.” Indeed, teeth are one of the most useful part of the body. Though, nowadays, with the help of medical science, one can get a new set of teeth, but nothing can replace the original one.

With time, the wear and tear leads to corrosion of teeth, wrong types of food and drinks are major players for the same. However, some of the activities also cause significant damage to them. Here are 5 habits that can lead to damage of your teeth in the long run.

1. Brushing too harshly– Though brushing is always encouraged since childhood, brushing with aggression is bad for your teeth. This counts for both hard bristles and wrong technique. Also, the time of brushing is also important.

Choose the right brush, use a lighter hand and adequate time dedicate towards it.

2. Sucking on thumb– Thankfully, this habit wears off as you grow up. But the children who keep doing the same can damage their own teeth. This includes mainly the misalignment of the teeth.

Monitor your child for these behaviors and discourage them. Seek help, if required.

3. Clenching jaws and teeth– also known as bruxism, is the habit, by which you keep clenching your upper and lower jaws to each other. It can cause severe damage and tooth decay, along with fractures and craze line. Bruxism is one of the most serious and troubled habit that can cause you harm in more than one way.

Seek medical help as soon as you realize having it. In case of doubt, let a dentist examine your teeth and jaw.

4. Misusing teeth– chewing things too often that exerts too much pressure on your teeth is yet another factor for teeth damage. This includes chewing pen or pencil, ice, hard candy or even fingernail.

Try to avoid using your teeth as package opener as well. Instead, opt for the healthier option for both chewing and cutting stuffs.

5. Bad habits such as chewing tobacco and cigars– the tobacco contents reduce the flow of blood to the gums. Apart from harming your respiratory system, it also challenges the wellbeing of your teeth and gums as well. The dental problem associated with the same, ranges from mere appearance, bad breath, teeth decay to even oral cancer.

Quit these bad habits as soon as possible for a better life and if problem still persists then don’t hesitate to look out for help from the dentist.