There are various dental habits that many people may not even realize they have. But unfortunately, by not noticing these habits, they can eventually lead to dental health issues. This is why it’s important to visit the dentist regularly so they can determine the best ways for you to maintain good dental health and break your specific dental habits such as biting your nails, not brushing your teeth twice a day, teeth grinding, and more.
We’ll go into more detail below and explain how the bad habits mentioned can have a negative impact on your teeth.
Do You Have Any of These 5 Bad Habits?
Many people are surprised to learn that certain habits can cause you to lose tooth enamel, cause crooked teeth, put you at risk of developing cavities, or even cause gum disease. Therefore, it’s important to practice good dental care for various reasons and speak to your dentist about how to avoid these habits.
Thumb Sucking
- Teeth to shift/misaligned teethv
- Bite issues
- Speech issues
- Change the shape of their jaw
- Change the shape of the roof of their mouth
Nail Biting
Regular nail biting is very common and can be a sign of anxiety, stress, depression, or even boredom. Many people don’t even realize they’re doing it, however, it’s a very bad habit that can negatively affect the state of your teeth.
Like thumb sucking, having your nails in your mouth can expose you to dirt and bacteria among other things:
- Spread infection around your teeth and gums
- Decrease the amount of tooth enamel that is protecting them from tooth decay
- Damage orthodontics
- Cause teeth to shift
- Increase the risk of grinding your teeth
- Crack or chip your teeth
- Weaken the roots holding your teeth in place
Teeth Grinding & Clenching
Like nail biting, many people don’t even realize that they’re grinding or clenching their teeth, especially at night when they’re fast asleep. And, just like continuously biting your nails, continuously grinding or clenching your teeth can also cause oral health issues. Grinding and clenching puts you at higher risk of wearing down your teeth and, therefore, making them more susceptible to tooth decay and infection. You’re also more susceptible to:
- Cracking or breaking your teeth
- Damaging fillings, crowns, veneers, etc.
- Having trouble biting food
- Feel jaw pain
- Constant headaches, especially when you wake up
Poor Oral Hygiene
In order to keep both your gum tissue and teeth healthy, it’s recommended to brush your teeth twice daily – once in the morning and once in the evening – followed by flossing teeth once per pay to remove leftover food particles and remove plaque, and rinsing properly with mouthwash. Whether you have a manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush, you should change your head approximately every four months. This is because the bristles will start to soften and not be able to remove plaque as efficiently.
It’s also recommended to use fluoride-based toothpaste and fluoride rinses to reduce the amount of bacteria on your teeth, tongue, gums, and even on the roof of your mouth, as well as help combat bad breath and strengthen your tooth enamel. By following this daily routine at-home, you’re decreasing your chances of experiencing dental issues.
Diet Habits
A Healthy Mouth Makes For A Happy Patient
Just remember that by maintaining good dental health, you’re also helping to maintain your overall health as they’re directly related.
And, as another reminder, stop opening packages with your teeth or biting the end of your pens and pencils! Using your teeth as tools is a very bad idea and can cause them to loosen, crack or chip. Once cracks are formed, bacteria can get in easier and cause cavities or a severe infection. It’s not worth it over the state of your long-term health.
Just remember that by maintaining good dental health, you’re also helping to maintain your overall health as they’re directly related.
And, as another reminder, stop opening packages with your teeth or biting the end of your pens and pencils! Using your teeth as tools is a very bad idea and can cause them to loosen, crack or chip. Once cracks are formed, bacteria can get in easier and cause cavities or a severe infection. It’s not worth it over the state of your long-term health.
Contact Us
Are you concerned about the state of your oral health? Do you have a bad habit you need help breaking?
Give our team a call today and we’ll assess your mouth, gums and teeth and help you maintain your beautiful smile.
