6 Bad Habits That Can Damage Your Teeth And Smile

Good oral hygiene is a preventive dental care practice that ensures your mouth is clean and healthy. It helps to prevent cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Practicing good oral hygiene also helps to maintain healthy teeth and gums and helps keep your breath fresh. However, there are some bad habits that can damage our oral health. Here are some of them.

• Nail Biting

Nail-biting can chip and crack your teeth over time. It can also worsen existing enamel erosion from acidic foods and beverages. Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it can still be damaged with excessive wear or stress.

Enamel erosion causes hypersensitivity to be hot and cold temperatures. It also makes your teeth more susceptible to cavities because the enamel is the protective barrier between your tooth’s dentin layer and the oral environment. If left untreated, enamel erosion can lead to tooth loss and the need for restorative dentistry services. So, quit the habit of nail-biting at the earliest.

• Smoking

Cigarette smoking is one of the worst habits when it comes to oral health. It causes all kinds of oral and overall health issues, including cancer, gum disease, tooth loss, and bad breath. The chemicals in cigarettes attack your gum tissues and cause a huge number of problems.

Chemicals found in cigarette smoke harm the tissue in your mouth and cause inflammation. Over time, this can become severe and lead to receding gums, which can expose the roots of your teeth and make your teeth more sensitive. In fact, smokers are twice as likely to lose all their teeth than non-smokers.

Additionally, smoking makes it harder for your body to heal after an oral procedure such as a root canal or dental crown placement. It also increases the risk of oral cancers as well as pre-term births. Toxins can also damage dental implants.

Many people who smoke also grind their teeth at night while they sleep. This can cause damage to your teeth and irritate your gums. Not only that, but people who smoke are more prone to periodontal disease than those who have never smoked. If you smoke, speak to your dentist about ways to quit as soon as possible. Your teeth and gums will thank you for it!

• Aggressive Brushing

When you brush your teeth too forcefully or brush too hard, you can damage the enamel of your teeth and irritate your gums. Over time, this can lead to gum recession and even tooth loss. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle toothpaste, and make sure you are brushing for at least two minutes. If you notice any bleeding when you floss or are brushing regularly, you may be brushing too rough, and you should stop immediately.

• Teeth Grinding

The act of grinding or clenching the teeth is known as bruxism, and it can cause several oral health problems in addition to causing headaches and neck pain. Bruxism is most commonly associated with stress, which is why many sufferers only grind their teeth at night when they’re asleep. It is still possible to grind your teeth when you’re awake, however; your dentist may recommend wearing a mouth guard to prevent you from doing so while you’re at work or school. Mouth guards are plastic devices that you wear over your teeth to protect them from damage during any activity that could potentially cause them harm. They will help protect your teeth from the damage caused by chewing.

Over time, continual grinding or clenching can lead to broken, cracked, or damaged teeth. Patients who clench or grind their teeth may suffer from temporomandibular joint disorders as well, which can also cause pain in the jaw and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

• Using Teeth As Tools

Many patients come to us with tooth injuries related to using them “tools.” They may bite their nails or open plastic packaging on their teeth. These habits can damage the healthy enamel that protects the teeth. Enamel is the hardest tissue in the body and protects the softer dentin underneath. If damaged, a person can end up with tooth decay and cavities. 

People who use their teeth to open packages may also end up chipping or breaking a tooth. A broken tooth can be extremely painful and lead to an infection. In some cases, the tooth may require root canal therapy to save it.

It’s important to speak to the dentist about any bad habits you have that could be causing damage to your teeth and gums. The dentist can give you tips and tricks to cut back and even recommend some products to help protect your teeth from damage while your habit is still in effect.

• Not Visiting The Dentist Regularly

If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, you aren’t alone! In fact, nearly a quarter of Americans say they don’t go to the dentist for regular checkups. Skipping regular dental visits can have serious consequences for your oral and overall health. A routine checkup allows your dentist to screen for oral cancer and other dangerous systemic diseases. During your cleaning, they will check for any early signs of gum disease or tooth decay and treat it before it gets worse. They will also professionally clean your teeth to remove any plaque buildup that you can’t get rid of otherwise. Regular teeth cleaning is important for maintaining good oral health, and regular visits to the dentist are equally important for good overall health. So, make your next appointment today!

Visit Brockman Family Dentistry at 11949 Lioness Way Suite 200, Parker, Co 80134, or call (303) 799-4333 for the best dental care.