Bad Habits That Can Damage Your Smile

Good oral health is essential for overall health and wellness. The mouth is the gateway to the body. Poor oral hygiene can lead to serious health complications. Here are some bad oral health habits that should be avoided at any cost.

• Nail Biting

Nail biting can cause your teeth to chip or crack. The force exerted from repeatedly chewing on your nails can lead to worn-down teeth and potential tooth fractures due to jaw clenching. If you’re experiencing frequent pain in your jaw and mouth when chewing food, it’s time to break the bad habit.

• Smoking

Tobacco products contain many harmful chemicals that are harmful to your overall health and well-being. Its harmful impact on your mouth, in particular, comes with an increased risk of cancer, gum disease, tooth loss, bad breath, stained teeth, and plaque buildup. It’s also been linked to an increased chance of complications during pregnancy. Nicotine can also increase mouth sores and make it harder to heal if you have a cut or sore in the mouth. The smoke from cigarettes irritates the throat and lungs. People who inhale second-hand smoke are also at a higher risk of respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis. One way to reduce your risk of oral health problems is to quit smoking cigarettes. Talk to your doctor about programs available to help you quit. Consider nicotine gum or patches to help you wean off cigarettes as well!

• Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is a common problem that affects many people at some point in their lives. It is the act of repetitively grinding or clenching one’s teeth either during the day or while sleeping. This behavior can increase the risk of chipped, fractured, or worn down teeth. It can even lead to chronic headaches and facial soreness. If your dentist notices signs of bruxism during your routine checkup, he or she will discuss the possible causes as well as solutions to help resolve the issue. Wearing a custom night guard is one of the most common ways to treat the condition.

• Aggressive Brushing

It’s important to brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time and floss at least once every day. However, if you brush your teeth too aggressively, you could damage your enamel and cause sensitivity issues within a short period of time. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your teeth and gums. Apply gentle pressure as you clean each surface, and be sure to replace your toothbrush every three months.

• Using Teeth As Tools

Teeth are meant to bite and chew food. They are not meant to take on the role of hard tools like screwdrivers or chisels. When our teeth take on this role, it is a surefire way to break or chip a tooth. Using your teeth as tools can cause fractures in the enamel as well as injuries to the soft pulp inside the tooth. Your teeth are not the sturdy tools you may be used to; they are delicate and sensitive when exposed to excessive force. This can result in significant pain and even infection in the case of a broken tooth. 

In addition to avoiding these bad habits, make sure you are taking good care of your oral hygiene at home by brushing twice a day for at least two minutes at a time, flossing once per day, and avoiding sugary food and drinks as much as possible. You should also make sure to see your dentist for regular checkups every six months to catch oral health issues in their earliest stages.

Trailhead Dental, located in Wheat Ridge, CO, is equipped with the latest technologies and modern amenities that enable the best dental care facilities for patients. If you have any additional questions about maintaining your dental health this Thanksgiving, feel free to give us a call at (720) 242-6803. We’re always happy to help!