Biting hard objects, pinching your nose while sneezing, or whispering are habits that pose health risks, yet many people believe they are harmless.
Pinching your nose while sneezing: The primary function of sneezing is to expel bacteria, viruses, and dirt. By pinching your nose, you prevent the expulsion of these harmful substances. Additionally, pinching your nose can cause the full force of the sneeze to reverse, potentially damaging your hearing, raising blood pressure, and even harming your esophagus.
Using toothpicks: Dentists advise against using toothpicks. While they may not harm tooth enamel, they pose risks to your gums. Moreover, they are nearly ineffective for cleaning your mouth. To maintain oral hygiene, it’s better to use dental floss and learn the correct techniques for its use.
Sleeping face down: While this position may feel comfortable, it actually diminishes sleep quality. In this position, breathing is difficult, the neck is in an unnatural position, blood circulation is poor, and cervical vertebrae are at risk. Additionally, doctors warn that sleeping face down can lead to neck wrinkles that will never disappear.
Biting sunflower seeds with teeth: Sunflower seeds are delicious and nutritious. However, they should be shelled by hand and never bitten with teeth. Dentists warn that those who have this habit often suffer severe dental damage due to the hardness of sunflower seed shells. Biting them can erode enamel, lead to tartar buildup, weaken the chewing mechanism, and increase the risk of periodontal infections.
Biting hard objects: Those who enjoy biting pens, paper clips, pencils, or other hard objects often face serious dental issues. You also increase your risk of chipped or broken teeth, and you might even injure your jaw or accidentally swallow hard foreign objects. Furthermore, this habit raises the risk of infections.
Holding in urine: The bladder and intestines can become quite distended from holding in urine for extended periods. Most doctors warn against this habit as it can damage muscles and lead to urinary tract infections and constipation.
Washing hair with hot water: If you prefer to wash your hair with hot water, you might want to reconsider. First, hot water can cause headaches and dizziness. Secondly, it stimulates the sebaceous glands on your scalp, making your hair dirtier and more prone to damage.
Reading in bed: If you read in bed, try not to hold the book too close to your eyes, avoid slouching, and strain your neck. Additionally, avoid lying on your side to read as the distance to the book will continuously change, causing your eyes to work harder. Lying face down is also not advisable as it can harm your spine.
Licking and blowing on small wounds: Many people have the habit of sucking or licking blood from cuts or scrapes. Scientists from Harvard University have discovered that there are over 600 microorganisms living in the human mouth, including staphylococci and streptococci, which thrive in the blood-clotting area of wounds.
Whispering: Studies have shown that most people strain their vocal cords when whispering. This increases the risk of damaging the larynx, which is particularly dangerous for those who need to speak frequently.
Cutting nails too short: Cutting nails too close to the skin not only makes them look neat but also extends the time between nail clippings. However, this practice is not good for the fingers themselves. The human fingers and toes consist of both nail plates and soft tissue covered by the nail plate. If nails are cut too deeply, the soft tissue can grow uncontrollably, leading to ingrown nails. If both collide, it can cause injuries. A sufficiently hard nail can puncture the nail bed, allowing bacteria to enter, resulting in redness, swelling, and pus, forming paronychia.
Frequent ear cleaning: Every household likely has an ear cleaner, and some people even go to get their earwax removed. There’s a delightful feeling when you see a big piece of earwax being extracted. However, most people actually don’t need to clean their ears. Earwax, scientifically known as cerumen, is not just a simple secretion; it protects the ear canal from foreign objects and maintains an acid-base balance to prevent bacterial growth. Typically, it will fall out naturally when a person chews and moves. Excessive ear cleaning over time can stimulate more secretion and lead to increased earwax. Incorrect ear cleaning posture and pressure can damage the ear canal or even rupture the eardrum.
