Bad Dental Habits to Leave Behind

Nail biting, smoking, brushing teeth aggressively, teeth grinding, using teeth as tools, and not visiting a dentist regularly are some of the habits that can damage our oral health. Here, we discuss a few such habits.

• Nail Biting

Chewing on nails can damage your teeth by wearing down the enamel. This can create the risk of tooth decay and gum damage. Also, if you bite your nails hard enough to break or chip them, you may have damage to your gums that may require treatment from your dentist in the future. If you often find yourself tempted to chew on your nails, try distracting yourself. If you do experience tooth damage from nail-biting, you may be able to repair it with fillings, crowns, or veneers. However, it’s best to avoid this habit altogether to protect your dental health.

• Smoking

Cigarettes and cigars contain thousands of chemicals, many of which are toxic, and some can be highly damaging to teeth and gums. The act of smoking can also lead to a number of oral health issues, including gum recession, oral cancers, periodontitis, tooth decay, and more. As if that weren’t enough, tobacco products can also cause bad breath and yellow/brown stains on your teeth that are incredibly difficult to remove.

Quitting smoking can save your dental health; it can even improve your overall well-being as well! There are a number of smoking cessation programs out there that can help you. Your dentist can also help you quit the habit by recommending medication or another form of treatment.

• Teeth Grinding

Sometimes referred to as bruxism, teeth grinding can occur whenever we are sleeping and may be accompanied by the clenching of teeth or movement of the jaw. Clenching may itself be a symptom of stress, anxiety, or sleep deprivation. Over time, this condition can cause worn-down teeth and damage to the enamel. People who are experiencing symptoms are encouraged to address the underlying cause and consider wearing a mouth guard at night to protect their smile from further damage.

• Using Teeth as Tools

Using teeth as tools to open bottle caps or packages can damage teeth. This habit can also cause teeth to break or become chipped and damaged. The constant pressure can also wear down the enamel on our teeth and cause sensitivity. It can also lead to jaw pain when done repeatedly over a long period of time. So, quit the habit and use appropriate tools instead.

• Not Visiting The Dentist Regularly

Although regular visits to the dentist are an important step to maintaining good oral health, many of us aren’t seeing them as often as we should. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, only 50% of Americans see a dentist every six months. However, if you’re someone who doesn’t visit their dentist on a regular basis, you can be at an increased risk of oral diseases.

Mt. Pleasant Family Dental, located in Mt Pleasant, TX, is equipped with the best dentists and modern amenities that enable the best dental care facilities for patients. Call us at (903) 345-6065 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn more about dental treatments provided at the dental practice.