Do you know some of our daily habits can help our oral health while others can damage our smile? Listed below are a few of the most common habits that can harm your oral and dental health.

• Nail Biting

Nail biting is a bad habit that can do a lot of damage to your oral health. In addition to causing bad breath, it can also chip or crack your front teeth, cause tooth sensitivity, and lead to jaw pain. Teeth that are damaged or weakened by excessive chewing from nails and other objects may need restorative dental treatments to restore their structure.

If symptoms like persistent bleeding gums, loose teeth, swollen jaws, headaches, and pain occur as a result of nail-biting, a dentist may provide treatment to relieve these symptoms and restore the mouth’s good health. Treatment may include splint therapy to reposition the bite, medication to manage the pain, and other therapeutic treatments depending on the patient’s needs.

• Smoking

Those who smoke are at a greater risk for oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss. Smokers also tend to age faster than those who don’t smoke. This is because cigarettes contain nicotine as well as harsh chemicals that have a negative effect on overall health. In addition to putting yourself at risk for a variety of oral health problems, you will also experience a number of other problems with your teeth and gums if you smoke. For example, many smokers also have stained teeth. This is because the chemicals in cigarettes stain the tooth enamel and create yellow or brown stains. You may also have bad breath and decreased taste sensitivity if you smoke.

In addition to affecting your oral health, smoking can also increase your risk for cavities as well as certain diseases that affect the whole body. If you want to keep your mouth healthy and prevent any problems from occurring, you should quit smoking as soon as possible. Quitting can be difficult, but it can be done. Talk to your doctor about resources that can help you quit. Also, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and visit the dentist twice a year for regular exams and cleanings.

• Aggressive Tooth Brushing

People who brush their teeth with too much force can cause damage to their teeth and gums. While you may think brushing harder will help you clean your teeth better, you’re actually hurting yourself by damaging the enamel and gums. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, so brushing too hard can cause severe damage and pain to your gums. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush your teeth for two minutes at a time.

You should also switch to an electric toothbrush because the vibration will help remove plaque more effectively than a manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are also better at removing food from the mouth after meals.

In addition to gently brushing your teeth, it’s also important to floss daily to remove food and plaque between teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing will also help keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease. If you’re concerned about bleeding during flossing, ask your dentist about products that can help stop bleeding gums at home. Also, make sure to change your toothbrush at least every three months to prevent bacteria from building up on your toothbrush.

By keeping up with your regular oral hygiene routine and avoiding aggressive tooth brushing, you can protect your oral health for years to come.

• Teeth Grinding

Most people grind their teeth from time to time. It is common in people who are stressed out or feeling anxious. It is known as bruxism, and it is a habit that can strain the jaw muscles and cause other oral health problems. If you are suffering from constant headaches or wake up with sore facial muscles in the morning, you may be clenching your teeth in your sleep without even knowing it. If you notice that your mouth is sore and stiff for a day or two after waking up, then this could be a sign of bruxism. Talk to your dentist about treatment options like mouthguards that can help you manage this bad habit and protect your oral health.

• Using Teeth As Tools

Other habits that can cause major damage to your oral health include chewing on ice, tearing open packages with your teeth, or using your teeth to open bottles, bags, and other containers. If you chew on non-food items or use your teeth as a bottle opener, then you are putting your teeth at risk for chips and cracks that can lead to more serious problems such as tooth decay and tooth loss.

• Not Visiting the Dentist Regularly

Many patients don’t visit the dentist for regular checkups because they simply don’t think it’s the most pressing issue at the moment. However, oral health issues need to be taken care of as soon as possible—and neglecting them or waiting too long could cause irreversible damage to your teeth! 

For example, cavities are one of the most common issues that dentists treat each day. They are caused by bacteria that feed on leftover sugar in your mouth and produce an acid that breaks down your tooth enamel. The acid then infects the tooth’s inner layers and leads to decay if not treated right away. Unfortunately, tooth decay can lead to much more serious issues, including broken teeth and lost teeth. You could also suffer from other chronic oral infections like periodontitis if you don’t seek treatment, which could potentially lead to tooth and bone loss. This can even affect your overall health, so it’s best to take good care of your teeth and gums during your lifetime.

By consulting your dentist regularly, you can prevent any bigger problems from arising in the future and maintain a healthy smile for life.

Wish to learn more dental care tips from the experts? Call Short & Vlosich Family Dental at (806) 374-8011 or schedule an appointment online.