Tooth pain often results from habits we don’t realize are harmful. Your Raleigh dentist at Wainright and Wassel, DDS wants to help you identify and correct these damaging behaviors.
Table of Contents
- Common Habits Causing Tooth Pain
- Solutions from Your Raleigh Dentist
- When to Visit Wainright and Wassel, DDS
- Preventive Care Tips
Why Your Raleigh Dentist Warns Against These Tooth Pain-Causing Habits
YOU KNOW THE ROUTINE: brush your teeth daily, floss regularly, and have your regular checkups with Wainright and Wassel, DDS twice a year.
For the most part, getting in the habit of completing these simple tasks will keep your teeth healthy and strong.
However, there are a few less-than-desirable oral habits that can override your good habits and compromise your dental health!
According to the American Dental Association, these harmful habits can lead to significant tooth pain and damage if left unchecked.
5 Dental Habits That Could Be Causing Your Tooth Pain
1. Crunching, Sucking, and Sipping
After slurping down that ice cold and refreshing beverage, try not to crunch the leftover ice between your teeth. The cold temperature of the ice cubes can cause your teeth to fracture, leading to immediate tooth pain. Be careful when eating popcorn too!
Sipping sugary soda is also bad for your teeth. The constant exposure to the acids and sugar can lead to tooth decay and potentially severe tooth pain over time.
Solution: Switch to crushed ice & drink your soda through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth!
2. Using Your Teeth As “Tools”
Some people rely on their teeth for odd jobs like opening a tightly screwed bottle of nail polish, tearing open a bag of chips, straightening a bent fork, or ripping a price tag off a new article of clothing. These actions are actually quite hard on your teeth and can even cause a weakened tooth to fracture or chip, resulting in immediate tooth pain.
Solution: Keep some simple tools like scissors and pliers handy and leave the dirty work to them!
3. Grinding Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth wears them down and weakens them, often leading to chronic tooth pain and sensitivity. Your Raleigh dentist at Wainright and Wassel, DDS sees many patients suffering from this common issue.
Solution: During the day, be more aware of what you’re doing with your teeth when you feel stressed or anxious. Notice if your jaw muscles are often sore. For those of you who grind at night, ask Wainright and Wassel, DDS about custom mouth guards designed to prevent tooth pain.
4. Using A Hard-Bristled Toothbrush
It may be surprising, but a firm toothbrush is actually worse for your teeth than a soft-bristled one. A brush with bristles that are too firm can wear down tooth enamel more quickly and may irritate your gums and make your teeth sensitive to hot and cold, causing unnecessary tooth pain.
Solution: Stick with soft-bristles and ask one of our team members at Wainright and Wassel, DDS about the best type of toothbrush for your particular mouth.
5. Not Brushing Or Flossing Properly
Though you may brush and floss everyday, if you aren’t doing it correctly it could cause harm as well as good. Improper technique can lead to gum recession, enamel wear, and eventually tooth pain.
Solution: Make sure that you brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes TWICE a day. Be gentle. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, and consider purchasing an electric one. Ask your Raleigh dentist at Wainright and Wassel, DDS about the most effective way to floss. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to complete your oral care routine.
Learn more about preventing tooth decay from trusted dental resources.
How Wainright and Wassel, DDS Helps Patients Prevent Tooth Pain
At Wainright and Wassel, DDS, we’re committed to helping our patients maintain optimal oral health. Regular checkups allow us to identify potential issues before they cause tooth pain. Check our services page to learn how Wainright and Wassel, DDS treats tooth pain and other dental concerns.
Our Raleigh dentist office provides personalized care plans to address your specific needs and help you develop healthier habits. Read more about preventive dental care to maintain optimal oral health.
When to Contact Your Raleigh Dentist About Tooth Pain
Persistent tooth pain should never be ignored. At Wainright and Wassel, DDS, we recommend scheduling an appointment if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Tooth pain that lasts more than two days
- Severe pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Swelling around a tooth or along the gumline
- Pain accompanied by fever
Early intervention by your Raleigh dentist can prevent minor issues from developing into more serious dental problems that require extensive treatment.
If any of these bad habits apply to you, overcome them and develop a healthier oral routine! We promise you’ll see results, avoid tooth pain, and have more reasons to smile!
Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions or to schedule an appointment with your Raleigh dentist. We at Wainright and Wassel, DDS look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile!
Oh, and don’t forget to join us on Facebook to stay updated on the latest dental health tips from your trusted Raleigh dentist!