Maintaining a healthy smile entails regular visits to a dentist, as well as daily brushing and flossing. You must also avoid certain bad habits that can damage your teeth and increase your chance of tooth decay. The following habits are quite common, but they can be overcome by taking the right steps. Here are a few methods you can try. 

Avoid These Habits for a Bright, Healthy Smile

1. Eating Ice

When enjoying a cool, refreshing beverage on a hot day, you may find yourself chewing on a few ice cubes. While the habit might not seem that detrimental, crunching on ice regularly can damage tooth enamel. 

Cracks and chips in the teeth, no matter how small, allow bacteria to infiltrate and raise your risk of cavities. If you can't break yourself of the ice chewing habit, try ordering your beverages without ice to resist the temptation. 

2. Chewing Your Fingernails

While tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it's not impervious to damage. Chewing on inedible objects, including pens, pencils, and even fingernails, can weaken enamel and eventually cause major cracks. 

To overcome the habit, make sure your nails are trimmed regularly. You can also use a special polish that makes nails taste bitter. If you're still having trouble, consider counseling to determine whether underlying anxiety is contributing to the habit. 

3. Grinding Your Teeth

Like nail chewing, teeth grinding can also result from anxiety. It can even occur while you're sleeping, which makes it tough to address. 

In addition to dealing with any anxiety issues, you can also talk with a dentist about getting a customized mouth guard to wear at night. This mouth guard will protect your tooth enamel should you grind your teeth in your sleep, which can prevent dental damage until you get the habit under control.

No matter what type of dental issue you experience, Craig A. Spletzer DDS is here to help. This trusted dentist has dutifully served local patients since 1990. Along with preventative care, this clinic provides advanced procedures and cosmetic treatments to enhance the look and function of your smile. In addition to their extensive expertise, patients also enjoy the relaxed and soothing office environment. Visit them online for the complete listing of procedures they offer. You can also schedule an appointment at their Fairfield, OH clinic by calling (513) 860-1133 today.