Our oral health is influenced by many factors. From what we eat and drink to how we clean your teeth to bad habits such as nail biting or teeth grinding, nothing affects your dental or oral health as much as your own behavior. Listed below are some common bad habits that can negatively impact your oral health.
Nail biting can be a major cause of tooth damage for a lot of people. It can result in chipped teeth, cracked fillings, wear on the enamel, and sore jaw muscles from clenching or grinding your teeth. This bad habit can also lead to mouth infections if bacteria from the fingernails get into the gums. So, quit the habit at the earliest.
Smoking cigarettes and cigars are not only bad for your lungs and heart, but it also has a negative impact on your oral health as well. That’s because it increases your risk of developing oral cancer and other dangerous health conditions. Cigarettes also have nicotine which is highly addictive and can increase your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. They also put you at risk of getting stained and yellowed teeth prematurely.
Not only is smoking bad for your overall health, but it is also harmful to your oral health. People who smoke are more likely to develop periodontal disease and oral cancer than those who do not smoke. This is because cigarettes contain tar and other chemicals that can stain teeth and cause bad breath. These chemicals can also irritate the gums and cause painful inflammation. In addition, smoking makes it harder for blood to carry oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues, including the mouth. This lack of oxygen can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Quitting smoking is the best thing individuals can do for their oral and overall health.
Brushing your teeth too hard can damage tooth enamel and irritate your gums. This can lead to gum recession which then makes your teeth more sensitive and prone to decay. Make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride to protect your teeth from cavities. Use a toothbrush that has the ADA seal of acceptance to ensure you are using a brush that has been proven to be effective at cleaning your teeth.
While flossing is an important part of your daily oral care routine, it’s important that you don’t floss too aggressively, or you could damage your gum tissues. Avoid snapping the floss between your teeth, as this can cut the tissue between your teeth. Instead, gently slide the floss up and down between each tooth without forcing it.
If you experience bleeding after flossing, you may be flossing too harshly for your gums to handle. Try switching to waxed floss, as it is gentler on the gums than traditional floss. If this doesn’t help, talk to your dentist about other ways to floss more comfortably to avoid irritating your gums.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can damage your teeth and oral health in a number of ways. For example, this bad habit can cause chipped or broken teeth, cause pesky headaches, and even lead to TMJ disorder. People who suffer from bruxism may grind their teeth in their sleep without even being aware of it. While some people may grind their teeth because of stress or anxiety, others do it for no apparent reason at all. For this reason, it’s important to visit your dentist if you think you might have this condition. Your dentist can talk with you about your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan to help correct the problem. In some cases, your dentist may recommend wearing a mouthguard while you sleep to prevent you from damaging your teeth further. For more dental care tips, schedule an appointment with your dental office today!
Teeth are meant to chew food, not pry off bottle caps or tear open packages! Biting your nails or using your teeth as tools for other tasks can cause chipped or broken teeth, as well as painful damage to the gum tissue and the inside of your mouth.
Visiting the dentist every six months is important for catching any oral health issues early before they become more serious and more difficult to treat. Regular checkups can also help catch cavities while they are small and easier to treat than if they are detected when they are already causing pain. So, if your dental visit is pending, schedule an appointment with us immediately.
Please reach out to our dental practice at 70 Pennington Dr, Ste 7, Bluffton, SC 29910, to have a consultation with our dentists. Call Dentist in Bluffton, SC, or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.
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70 Pennington Dr, Ste 7, Bluffton, SC 29910
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