Almost all subconscious habits can be hard to break. Whether you bounce your leg, drum your fingers, or fidget; repetitive motions can lead to serious consequences over time.
One such habit is rubbing your tongue over your teeth. Many find this self-soothing when faced with situations that make them feel anxious. Running the tongue over teeth repetitively may provide a sense of control in distressing situations.
For some, it’s an act of self-stimulation that helps distract from unwanted thoughts or feelings, so, understandably, stopping it may be difficult. However, this seemingly ordinary habit has harmful implications for your oral health.
In this blog, let’s learn how rubbing your tongue on your teeth can harm your oral health and how you can stop this habit for good. Continue reading to learn about the ways subconscious habits can leave a significant impact on the body and mental health!
Why You Shouldn’t Rub Your Tongue on Teeth
Rubbing your tongue on your teeth may temporarily relieve stress and provide distraction, but it has many cons. According to the award-winning orthodontist Dr. Shariq Khan of Shark Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, “The constant contact between the tongue and teeth can wear down the teeth’s enamel, leading to sensitivity and a higher risk of cavities. It also causes misalignment issues as the tongue’s consistent pressure may cause teeth to shift, leading to an improper bite or gaps.”
Moreover, rubbing the tongue on your teeth can lead to gum irritation, eventually worsening gum recession. When the tooth’s roots are exposed, this ruins your smile and makes teeth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.
The health of your mouth depends on a careful balance of different bacteria residing on your tongue, gums, and teeth. Rubbing your tongue against your teeth can disrupt the oral microbiome, resulting in an imbalance and proliferating harmful bacteria. So, gum disease and constant bad breath might become an issue.
This oral habit may provide short-term relief but may exacerbate stress-related symptoms like jaw pain or tension headaches, especially with conditions like TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).
Ways To Stop Rubbing Tongue on Teeth
Since subconscious habits can be hard to eliminate, some specialized strategies may prove helpful.
1. Identify Triggers
The first step is to recognize your triggers. For example, there may be moments when you are more prone to rubbing your tongue against your teeth.
Identifying these triggers is essential to addressing the underlying causes, such as stress and anxiety. Being mindful during these times can help you consciously react differently.
2. Proper Tongue Position
Another way to stop this habit is to practice the correct resting tongue position. Dr. Khan explains, “The proper tongue posture is the tongue resting against the roof of the mouth. It can help reduce the contact between teeth and tongue, even subconsciously. So it reduces the risks of dental misalignment and oral health issues.”
3. Chew Gum
An effective way to break a bad habit is to replace it with a less damaging one. Consider chewing gum frequently, as it can stimulate saliva production and protect your mouth from bacteria.
Chewing gum can also have ingredients beneficial for oral health, such as xylitol, which can reduce plaque buildup and teeth staining.
4. Practice Relaxation Techniques
It’s important to address the underlying mental triggers that cause this habit. Stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breaths, and yoga can help. This way, you can cope with anxiety in healthier ways.
Over time, it can lead to effective stress management and reduce the likelihood of this bad oral habit.
5. Consult an Orthodontist
If the habit persists despite other interventions, seeking an orthodontist is essential. They might provide specialized appliances or braces that can discourage tongue rubbing the teeth and rule out any dental misalignment issue.
6. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that can change maladaptive behaviors. It involves developing self-awareness and changing thought patterns. Hence equipping patients with healthier approaches to anxiety.
Healthier coping mechanisms can help reduce dependency on harmful ones, like rubbing the teeth with your tongue.
Takeaway
Rubbing the tongue on teeth might be satisfying and provide a sense of control over otherwise uncontrollable issues. But these repetitive motions might leave a trail of worn enamel, receded gums, and misaligned teeth in their wake.
Overall, this bad oral habit does more harm than good. It is important to use the strategies above to break the cycle and preserve your teeth. Instead, replacing it with healthier coping mechanisms can indefinitely reduce stress or anxiety.
Annie Edith is an experienced journalist and content creator with a strong passion for health and wellness. She takes a unique approach to her writing, exploring the latest trends in Dental, Fitness, and mental well-being, while providing readers with informative, research-based articles.
