5 Not-So-Innocent Habits That Harm Your Mouth
You’re a Wine Lover
Red wine can stain teeth, but did you know that wine can damage your gums because it’s high in acidity?12
You’re a Nail Biter
Whether it’s incessant foot-tapping or hand-wringing, many of us have stress-induced habits. If yours is a nail-biting habit, know that each time you bring your hand to your mouth and start chewing, you’re inviting all sorts of germs and grime lodged under nails to your mouth.13
You Don’t Have Time
Being too busy or too tired doesn’t mean your oral care should be ignored. We’ve all had lapses in our oral-care routine, but the reality is that taking a laid-back approach to brushing, sporadic flossing and rinsing results in visible plaque on teeth.
You’re a Toothpick Regular
These tiny sticks, when used the correct way, can clean areas between your teeth. But toothpicks are often used in a way that is not beneficial and damages gum tissue.
You Love Lemons
Lemons and other citrus fruits contain acid that may harm gum tissue, and could irritate an already vulnerable mouth. Even though they are packed with immunity-boosting vitamin C and are natural antimicrobials that kill bacteria, they should not be consumed excessively in your diet. It would also be beneficial to rinse your mouth with water after eating these acidic fruits.