Worst Habits for Your Dental Health

Oral health is the state of our mouth and teeth. Good oral health means healthy teeth, healthy gums, and a healthy mouth. Having good oral health helps us to feel confident with our smiles. Poor oral health can lead to several dental and medical problems. Here are some poor oral habits that can damage your smile.

Nail Biting

Although many people bite their nails due to anxiety, it can have serious negative consequences on your oral health. Nail biting, or chronic nail biting, can result in chipped or broken teeth and cause infections of the soft tissue in your mouth and under the fingernails. If you have a habit of chewing your nails, try to substitute it with chewing gum. If it seems impossible to quit, ask your dentist for advice about how to stop it. In the meantime, you can wear gloves or apply bitter-tasting nail polish to discourage you from biting at them in the first place.

Smoking

What is so terrible about cigarettes? Aside from being bad for your health in general, they can also cause your oral health to deteriorate quickly. For starters, they make your breath smell awful and can make your teeth turn yellow or brown. Also, they are bad for your gums because they can cause them to become inflamed and red. They can also increase your risk for periodontal disease and oral cancer. Plus, tobacco stains your teeth, making them appear unhealthy and dirty when you open your mouth. Lastly, smoking can weaken the bones that support your teeth and raise your risk for tooth loss. To help protect your mouth from the negative effects of smoking, consider quitting. Talk to your dentist or doctor about ways to quit, and be on the lookout for smoking cessation programs if you need extra help. The earlier you quit, the better, so start today!

Aggressive Brushing

Using too much force when cleaning your teeth can lead to enamel erosion and gum recession. It can also cause tooth sensitivity and even loosen your fillings or crowns.

Enamel is the hard outer layer that protects our teeth from damage and decay. When not taken care of properly, the enamel can erode, and the dentin layer underneath can get exposed, making your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. The bacteria in the plaque can cause inflammation and gum diseases. This can also lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

Avoid using a hard-bristled toothbrush and use a soft one instead. Gently brush all surfaces of your teeth with gentle strokes in a circular motion without putting too much pressure on them. Also, replace your toothbrush every three months for effective results.

Teeth Grinding

Many of us grind our teeth at night without even knowing it! It’s called “bruxism,” and it happens most often when we are sleeping.

When we sleep, our bodies relax, and we do not use our muscles as much. This can cause the muscles of our face to tense up. If your teeth touch each other while you sleep, the friction from clenching them together causes them to wear down and chip or break. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, increased cavities, and even jaw pain. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist about wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth while you sleep.

Using Teeth As Tools

Sometimes people will use their teeth as a tool. This becomes particularly dangerous when the person has teeth that are chipped or weakened. Chips and cracks can be painful when they happen, but if a tooth breaks off, it could lead to a serious health issue like an infection.

At 5th Ave Smile, our experienced team provides the best dental care for patients in Aurora, CO. To schedule an appointment, call (303) 360-7462, or visit our office at 2044 Clinton St. Suite B, Aurora, CO 80010.