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Bad Habits That Can Damage Our Oral Health

Posted by Todd Curley Nov 30,2022

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Bad habits can hurt our overall health. They can even affect our oral health. Listed below are some of the bad habits that can damage our oral health.

  • Nail Biting

Nail biting is a common bad habit that sometimes starts in childhood and can continue well into adulthood. The habit can cause damage to the nails themselves and the soft tissue of the fingers. It can also result in tooth damage, such as chips or fractures, if the teeth come into contact with the fingernails while biting down on them. If you bite your nails, try to kick the habit by placing bitter-tasting nail polish on the nails or by wearing gloves when you aren’t feeling the urge to bite your nails. You can also practice relaxation techniques to keep yourself from biting them.

  • Smoking

Smoking is another common habit that can damage your health in many ways, including your oral health. Smoking increases your risk of tooth loss due to gum disease and makes it more difficult to heal after oral surgery. It also affects your body’s ability to fight infections. Smoking is found to be a major risk factor for many oral diseases, including oral cancer, gum disease, periodontitis, tooth loss, and tooth decay. Tobacco use is also linked to a number of health problems, such as heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, tobacco stains the teeth and makes your breath smell bad. It can make you more susceptible to tooth decay and lead to bad breath.

People who smoke are also more likely to experience delayed healing after dental treatments and procedures. Studies show that people who smoke are twice as likely to develop cancer of the tongue and throat than people who do not smoke. If you have any questions about quitting smoking or need help, contact us! We’re always happy to help our patients enjoy healthier life.

  • Brushing Teeth Aggressively

Aggressive tooth brushing can lead to enamel loss and receding gums, along with an increased risk of periodontal disease and cavities. When you brush too hard or use the wrong technique, you can damage the soft tissues of your gums and cause them to recede. Plaque buildup and tartar not only allow decay to set in more easily but can also cause discoloration of the teeth. Over time, it can even cause the loosening of your teeth. Experts suggest using a soft-bristled toothbrush and only brushing the teeth along the gum line at a forty-five-degree angle. When applying toothpaste, use a pea-sized amount and gently brush in small circular motions. 

  • Teeth Grinding

Many people aren’t even aware that they grind their teeth! However, it’s a habit that can damage your oral health and create headaches and other unpleasant symptoms. This habit is typically associated with people who are stressed or anxious. If you are clenching your jaw and gritting your teeth together, your mouth is stimulating the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. This can lead to TMJ disorder over time. Any kind of tooth-grinding can damage the tooth enamel and even wear the teeth down. Cosmetic procedures like veneers are effective ways to repair the damage and get your smile back into shape. Your dentist can also recommend a nightguard for patients who grind their teeth at night. It will protect the teeth and ease tension in the muscles of the jaw as well.

  • Using Teeth As Tools

Did you know that using your teeth as tools can cause chipping and fractures? If you tend to use your teeth to open packages or bottles, you’re putting yourself at risk for developing tooth damage. The same goes for using your teeth to tear open a bag to eat a snack. Consider finding a different tool to help you with these tasks. 

  • Not Visiting The Dentist Regularly

Many people avoid their dentist because of anxiety or some other reasons. But going to the dentist twice a year for preventive care can help protect your smile from developing cavities or becoming infected. Dentists are able to detect signs of disease in their earliest stages during a simple oral exam and cleaning. If you notice that your teeth are becoming sensitive or your gums are bleeding when you brush and floss, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. By scheduling these preventive appointments, you can prevent the need for more invasive dental treatments. It’s always easier to take care of your dental health when diseases are detected earlier rather than later.

Scheduling regular visits to the dentist are important so that any issues with your oral health can be addressed before they cause you discomfort and pain.

Wish to learn more oral care habits? Call our dental office and schedule an appointment with us.

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