Bad Habits That Can Damage Your Oral Health And Smile

Bad Habits That Can Damage Your Oral Health And Smile

Posted by Robert Astles on Dec 11 2022, 09:56 PM

Bad Habits That Can Damage Your Oral Health And Smile

Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining good oral health. In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth every day, there are a few other habits you should develop. On the other hand, there are some habits that can badly impact your oral health. Listed below are some of the habits that you should give up immediately.

  • Nail Biting

Most people bite their nails out of anxiety, stress, or boredom. However, nail biting not only damages the enamel of your teeth but also leads to fungal infections. So the next time you feel the urge to nibble on your fingernails, remember to put up your defenses and pull your hands away from your mouth to avoid harming your teeth and your health.

  • Smoking

Cigarettes are dangerous for your oral health for many reasons. Firstly, they contain nicotine and tar that stains your teeth and leaves them smelling bad. Secondly, they cause dry mouth – which is a condition that can make your mouth vulnerable to infections. Finally, they also reduce your bone density which can lead to gum diseases in the future.

Smoking also has other effects on your overall health. It can cause tooth loss, various types of mouth cancers, heart diseases, and strokes. Quitting the habit can reverse a lot of the damage it causes. However, it’s never too late to quit smoking, and you can benefit from quitting at any age!

  • Brushing Teeth Aggressively

Brushing too hard can lead to wearing down enamel and receding gums. This can lead to sensitive teeth and tooth decay. If your teeth are in pain after brushing them, this means that you are brushing too aggressively. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently massaging your teeth and gums to remove food particles and plaque. Be sure to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day! We also recommend replacing your brush every three to four months. The bristles will wear down and become less effective at cleaning your teeth. Replacing your toothbrush frequently will also help prevent transferring bacteria from your mouth to your toothbrush. 

  • Using Teeth As Tools

Using teeth as tools can chip or break them, cause tooth pain, and even lead to tooth loss. When you use your teeth to chew on your pen cap or tear your clothing tags or open bottle caps, you’re putting your tooth enamel at risk. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, and it’s important to protect this protective layer at all costs. When you chew on objects other than food, you run the risk of chipping, breaking, or severely damaging your teeth. So, stop using your teeth for purposes other than chewing your food. 

  • Not Visiting The Dentist Regularly

Everyone should go for a dental checkup every six months. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to detect any potential problems early on before they worsen and affect your overall well-being. For example, if you visit the dentist every six months for a routine cleaning, they’ll be able to clean the tartar and plaque from your teeth before it causes cavities or gum disease. If you start skipping these routine checkups, you’ll likely begin to notice some oral health issues arise, like bad breath, bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, etc. These are all signs of something going on in your mouth that needs professional attention. By seeing your dentist every six months, you can prevent these problems from occurring in the first place! Getting a professional cleaning and exam twice a year allows your dentist to clean out all the plaque, tartar, and food debris that normal brushing at home can’t reach. Plus, it also gives them a chance to spot any potential oral health issues like oral cancer, gum disease, and other infections early. Catching these issues in their earliest stages helps minimize the damage they cause to your smile and your body.

Your dentist can give you personalized recommendations on how often you should be scheduling your next appointment. However, most people should be going every six months to get the most benefit from their visit. Waiting longer than six months puts your dental health at risk. If it’s been over a year or two since your last appointment, it’s time to schedule another appointment with your dentist. Your body will thank you for it.

To learn more about good oral care habits, visit Dr. Robert Astles at 963 37th Pl, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Contact us at 772.562.5700 or visit our website for further information. 

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