When it comes to our oral health, most of us know the importance of brushing and flossing. However, there are many bad oral habits that we should avoid for a healthier mouth.

• Nail Biting

Nail biting is a common bad habit that can cause damage to the teeth and mouth. It can lead to broken or chipped teeth, sensitive teeth, and problems with your jaw, like TMJ disorder. The best way to end this habit is to find some distractions. 

• Smoking

It’s no secret that cigarette smoking is very bad for your health, but did you know that it can lead to oral problems? That’s because the chemicals in tobacco can cause your gums to become inflamed and irritated. This makes your gums bleed easily when brushing or flossing your teeth. Additionally, smokers are six times more likely than non-smokers to develop gum disease. This can lead to serious health problems like stroke, heart disease, and cancer. If you’re a smoker who is unhappy with the state of your oral health, talk to your dentist about quitting today! They can help you come up with an action plan for kicking the habit for good.

• Brushing Teeth Aggressively

It’s a common habit to brush your teeth too forcefully, thinking this will get your teeth cleaner. However, you’re actually causing damage to your gums and tooth enamel by doing this. Using too much force while brushing causes the gums to wear away, leading to gum recession over time or even tooth loss. Gum recession weakens the roots and leads to loose teeth, not to mention it can also make the teeth more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Brushing with a gentle touch is all it takes to clean your teeth effectively without being too harsh on them.

If you’ve noticed changes to your gum line or teeth that you’ve been unable to explain on your own, visit your dentist for an evaluation and treatment options. They can help you create a plan to treat any adverse changes to your oral health caused by your bad brushing habits.

• Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding can be harmful to your teeth and jaw health because it can wear down teeth and cause jaw pain. It can also lead to headaches due to tension in your facial muscles. If your teeth are worn down and damaged from excessive grinding, your dentist may recommend options like dental crowns to restore your smile and prevent further damage to your tooth enamel.

Some ways to prevent nighttime teeth grinding include avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, doing relaxation breathing techniques like meditation or yoga, and avoiding stress. If you are stressed at work or school during the day, try to manage your stress levels with these tactics. Stress can lead to bruxism, which is the medical term for teeth grinding. By causing damage to your teeth, teeth grinding can also cause you to have a higher risk of needing root canal therapy or even losing a tooth. If you grind your teeth, visit your dentist for a night guard. 

• Using Teeth As Tools

If you’re guilty of using your teeth for anything other than chewing food, it’s time to stop! Your teeth are meant only for eating and talking. Nothing else. When we use our teeth for things like opening packages or cutting thread, we risk cracking our teeth or even chipping them entirely. This can result in the need for expensive restorative procedures like dental crowns. Limit the use of your teeth to chewing food, and you should never have the problem. 

• Not Visiting The Dentist Regularly

Neglecting to visit a dentist for regular checkups and care can result in a number of oral health problems. It’s recommended that you visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and professional cleaning. Some patients may require more frequent visits depending on their dental health needs.

During your dental exams, your dentist will clean your teeth and take X-rays. This allows him to check for cavities and other signs of tooth decay, as well as keep an eye on your gum health. If he finds any issues with your oral health, he will provide the appropriate treatment and recommendations at that time. 

We request you schedule a consultation with our team of dental experts to get all your oral concerns addressed at the earliest. Please call us at (602) 237-7878 or reach out through online consultation, and we’ll be happy to help.