It is easy to put all the money, attention, and energy into taking care of every aspect of your health and, at the same time, neglect your mouth. Poor dental hygiene eventually ruins even the best and most radiant smile. Beyond not brushing and flossing, many habits are bad for our oral health.
These habits are usually formed unintentionally, but they have the potential to cause more serious dental health consequences that might cost a lot of money to correct. Keeping one’s teeth healthy is a lifelong process, and avoiding dental issues begins by being proactive about one’s oral health. Here are some common dental habits to avoid if you want a more radiant and healthier smile.
Nail Biting
You probably know already that most people consider nail-biting to be unattractive. Still, beyond that, nail-biting has the potential to cause significant damages to the health of your teeth and gums. For instance, when you bite your nails, you’re more or less grinding your teeth which eventually results in more gradual wear and tear of the teeth and eventual breakdown.
Additionally, it is easy to transmit bacteria and other germs lurking beneath the fingernails to the mouth. This is a bad habit that could lead to more serious problems such as cavities or tooth loss.
Brushing Too Hard
We hardly pay attention to our toothbrushes. We just pick one that looks good to us, dump it in the cart, and proceed to checkout. The type of brush we use and how we brush are important factors to consider for an effective routine brushing for healthy teeth.
However, when you use the wrong toothbrush, such as a hard one on your teeth, you’re putting yourself at risk of enamel wear, receding gums, and tooth sensitivity. Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush, and gently move the brush back and forth at a 45-degree angle to your gums. This way, you get to clean both your teeth and also reach underneath your gum line for effective cleaning without damaging your teeth.
Grinding Your Teeth
Teeth grinding has its oral health dangers. This unintentional bad habit can occur both consciously and unconsciously. But you could also be grinding your teeth in your sleep. This habit exerts slow pressure on your teeth which could make your teeth weakened or worn, and if not stopped, you could set yourself up for more serious dental issues such as tooth damage and even jaw dysfunction.
Using Your Teeth as Tools
It is easy to get used to the mistake of using our own teeth as tools. Using your teeth as tools is one of the fastest ways to set your teeth up for accelerated tooth wear, jaw misalignment, and slow cumulative damages that could eventually lead to tooth loss. Also, avoid the mistake of using your teeth as your third hand. Do not hold items with your teeth, do not open bottles and packages with your teeth, and never chew on items that are not food.
Smoking
Smoking and tobacco products are leading causes of dry mouth. A dry mouth makes room for bacterial growth to produce more acids that could eventually damage the tooth enamel leading to tooth decay.
The worst part, smoking is addictive, and apart from having a bad impact on general health, it affects dental health seriously.
It is easy to put all the money, attention, and energy into taking care of every aspect of your health and, at the same time, neglect your mouth. Poor dental hygiene eventually ruins even the best and most radiant smile. Beyond not brushing and flossing, many habits are bad for our oral health.
These habits are usually formed unintentionally, but they have the potential to cause more serious dental health consequences that might cost a lot of money to correct. Keeping one’s teeth healthy is a lifelong process, and avoiding dental issues begins by being proactive about one’s oral health. Here are some common dental habits to avoid if you want a more radiant and healthier smile.
Nail Biting
You probably know already that most people consider nail-biting to be unattractive. Still, beyond that, nail-biting has the potential to cause significant damages to the health of your teeth and gums. For instance, when you bite your nails, you’re more or less grinding your teeth which eventually results in more gradual wear and tear of the teeth and eventual breakdown.
Additionally, it is easy to transmit bacteria and other germs lurking beneath the fingernails to the mouth. This is a bad habit that could lead to more serious problems such as cavities or tooth loss.
Brushing Too Hard
We hardly pay attention to our toothbrushes. We just pick one that looks good to us, dump it in the cart, and proceed to checkout. The type of brush we use and how we brush are important factors to consider for an effective routine brushing for healthy teeth.
However, when you use the wrong toothbrush, such as a hard one on your teeth, you’re putting yourself at risk of enamel wear, receding gums, and tooth sensitivity. Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush, and gently move the brush back and forth at a 45-degree angle to your gums. This way, you get to clean both your teeth and also reach underneath your gum line for effective cleaning without damaging your teeth.
Grinding Your Teeth
Teeth grinding has its oral health dangers. This unintentional bad habit can occur both consciously and unconsciously. But you could also be grinding your teeth in your sleep. This habit exerts slow pressure on your teeth which could make your teeth weakened or worn, and if not stopped, you could set yourself up for more serious dental issues such as tooth damage and even jaw dysfunction.
Using Your Teeth as Tools
It is easy to get used to the mistake of using our own teeth as tools. Using your teeth as tools is one of the fastest ways to set your teeth up for accelerated tooth wear, jaw misalignment, and slow cumulative damages that could eventually lead to tooth loss. Also, avoid the mistake of using your teeth as your third hand. Do not hold items with your teeth, do not open bottles and packages with your teeth, and never chew on items that are not food.
Smoking
Smoking and tobacco products are leading causes of dry mouth. A dry mouth makes room for bacterial growth to produce more acids that could eventually damage the tooth enamel leading to tooth decay.
The worst part, smoking is addictive, and apart from having a bad impact on general health, it affects dental health seriously.
Refusing to Take Flossing as Seriously as Brushing
Avoiding flossing can lead to dental problems such as gum disease. Flossing is as important as brushing because flossing helps you reach areas that toothbrushes cannot reach. Places such as gaps and tight spaces catch food items, and they serve as good sites for bacterial growth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing at least once a day to keep your gums healthy and clean.
Chewing on Ice
Munching on ice cubes often gives a pleasant feeling that is hard to resist. Sometimes ice chewers crave it as much as an addict craves tobacco smoke. Although it may seem harmless, it slowly leads to dental damages such as chips and cracks. Beyond this, it is one of the leading causes of increased tooth sensitivity to heat and cold. Also, people who chew on ice are at risk of developing cavities or even replacing lost fillings.
Snacking Constantly During the Day
Eating habits and food choices also have an effect on your oral health. Snacks are high in sugars, starches, and unhealthy fats that can contribute to tooth decay. Mouth bacteria have a strong affinity for sugars that are trapped in food particles. Bacterial action on these sugars can lead to bad breath and even tooth decay.
We provide affordable and quality dental care services at ManiDental Family Practice. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about how to get rid of bad dental habits in Elkin, NC.
