Bad Habits That Can Damage Oral Health

Bad habits can take a toll on your oral health. Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria, which are necessary for digestion. However, when they proliferate, they can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Listed below are some common bad habits that can damage your oral health.

• Nail Biting

People bite their nails for a variety of reasons—stress, boredom, anxiety, etc. Yes, it’s quite a bad habit and can lead to chipped or broken teeth and infection. Tooth erosion is another possible consequence of nail biting; it causes the teeth to become thinner over time. This can lead to sensitivity and further problems. So, if you tend to bite your nails every now and then, try to kick this bad habit as soon as possible. Otherwise, it can lead to serious dental health issues in the future.

• Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst habits when it comes to oral health. It causes discoloration of our teeth, bad breath, gum disease, bone loss, and tooth loss. When you smoke, the nicotine goes into your bloodstream and travels to your gums. Nicotine reduces the blood flow to your gums, which impairs their ability to heal. This can lead to periodontal disease. Studies have linked smoking to an increased risk of cancer in the mouth or tongue. In addition, it increases your risk of stroke, heart attack, lung disease, and diabetes.

One way to prevent gum disease is to quit smoking. If you currently smoke, talk to your dentist about what you can do to quit. Also, you can chew sugarless gum throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and clean. This will reduce your urge to smoke. Besides visiting the dentist every six months, you should follow these tips for good oral health.

• Aggressive Brushing

Overbrushing your teeth can be detrimental to your oral health. Aggressive brushing can wear down the protective layer of your tooth called enamel over time, which can make your teeth sensitive and lead to decay. It can also wear away the gum tissue holding the tooth in place. Your mouth can become sore if you overbrush your teeth. A toothbrush should have soft bristles and be changed every three to four months or when the bristles become worn.

Another bad habit is brushing your teeth too often. If you brush your teeth more than three times a day, you risk wearing down your enamel and causing your gums to become inflamed. It’s always best to brush twice a day for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line.

• Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is a condition in which the person unconsciously clenches or grinds their teeth all the time, usually at night when they’re sleeping. This condition is harmful to both your oral health and your overall well-being. The pressure of clenching can fracture your teeth or make existing fillings fall out. It also puts undue stress on jaw muscles, which can lead to pain. In severe cases of bruxism, the joints may become damaged and dislocated over time.

How do you deal with this condition? If you suffer from bruxism, your dentist can fit you with a nightguard – a removable appliance that you wear while you sleep to prevent you from exerting too much pressure on your teeth. If you think you may be suffering from bruxism, talk to your dentist today!

• Not Visiting The Dentist Regularly

When we eat food that is hard to chew or full of sugar, tartar and plaque can buildup on our teeth. If they are not removed in time, they can cause gum irritation and cavities. Regular visits to the dentist every six months can help to remove any buildup from your teeth. If you skip these regular visits, your dentist may find it harder to properly clean your teeth, which can result in gum diseases. If you have dental insurance, the cost of going to the dentist may even be covered.

By skipping your yearly visit to the dentist, you are putting yourself at risk for several oral issues, including tooth pain, sensitive teeth, cavities, gum diseases, and tooth loss. These can all be avoided by keeping up with your regular dental appointments! 

If you are looking for an expert dentist, go nowhere. Visit Table Mountain at 6410 Miller St #15, Arvada, CO 80004. Contact us at (720) 749-2711 for any questions or concerns you have. Also, schedule an appointment online to visit us.