Bad Habits That Can Damage Oral Health

Good oral habits are crucially important for a healthy smile. However, some of our bad habits can become damaging to our oral health. Listed below are some of the bad oral habits that can cause damage to our oral health.

• Nail Biting

While many people bite their nails out of stress or habit, it's actually a bad dental health practice for a number of reasons. Not only can it cause chipped or broken teeth and receding gums, but it can also cause infections and result in a malocclusion, where the teeth come together abnormally. 

Many people find that they bite their nails when they are nervous, so try taking deep breaths to relax when you feel anxiety creeping up. You can try using a nail-biting deterrent, such as bitter-tasting nail polish, to try and stop yourself from engaging in this bad habit in the first place. If you can't seem to kick the habit on your own, speak with a dentist about other options that might help you overcome this bad habit for good!

• Smoking

Tobacco use in any form is harmful to your oral health. According to the American Dental Association, smokers are six times more likely to suffer from gum disease than non-smokers. Smoking also causes stains and bad breath. It also increases your risk of developing oral cancer. If you are a smoker, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your teeth. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit today.

• Brushing Teeth Aggressively

Some people love to run their toothbrush bristles across the gum line and along their teeth back and forth in a sawing, aggressive motion. This can cause a lot of damage to teeth and gums. Brushing too much force on teeth and gums can wear down the enamel over time resulting in sensitivity and pain to hot and cold foods and beverages. It can also result in receding gums and even tooth loss. It is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply gentle pressure when brushing. Let the toothbrush do the job of cleaning the teeth rather than making it do extra work by scrubbing too hard.

• Teeth Grinding

In dentistry, tooth grinding or bruxism refers to an involuntary clenching of the jaw and grinding of teeth during sleep. The condition affects both adults and children. Many times, people who grind their teeth are not even aware that they do it because it is often done unconsciously during their sleep. The effects of teeth grinding are many. These include pain, damage to teeth, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Additionally, the condition can cause headaches and earaches, as well as disturb a person's sleeping pattern. Over time, the teeth can be damaged due to excessive wear from chewing against each other. This can lead to other problems, such as tooth decay and gum diseases. Severe cases may even lead to fracturing of the jaw. If you grind your teeth, a mouth guard can help.

• Using Teeth As Tools

Although it can be convenient to use your teeth as a tool to open packages or cut threads on clothing, it can cause damage to our oral and overall health. This habit can cause broken, cracked, or even chipped teeth. So, stop this habit and use appropriate tools instead.

• Not Visiting The Dentist Regularly

If you don't visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam, you are putting yourself at risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Although regular brushing and flossing help remove plaque from the surface of your teeth, some plaque can still become impacted underneath the gumline and between the teeth and can only be removed by a professional cleaning. Untreated plaque can quickly turn into tartar, which can't be removed with a toothbrush or floss because it's below the gum line. Once tartar forms on the tooth surface, it irritates the gum tissue, causing inflammation and redness. This irritation can eventually lead to periodontal disease if left untreated. So, dental visits are really important. 

Visit Next Level Dental at 693 President Pl #101, Smyrna, TN 37167, to learn more about our dental services. Contact us at (615) 459-6354 or schedule an appointment online for any queries related to stress and oral health.