Oral Hygiene Basics: Bad Habits to Avoid

Good habits, such as brushing and flossing, are essential to maintain optimal oral health. But there are also bad dental habits that can affect our teeth. Listed below are some bad dental habits that we should all avoid.

• Nail Biting

Nail biting is a bad habit that can damage our oral health and cause tooth sensitivity. It can lead to chipped teeth and cracked teeth. It can also spread harmful bacteria into the mouth and lead to gum diseases. If you bite down too hard on your fingernails, it can cause your front teeth to chip or crack. You can also damage the roots of your teeth and loosen them if you bite down on a hard object for a long time. This may lead to tooth loss as well.

• Smoking

Tobacco use can lead to serious oral health problems, such as oral cancer and gum disease. It’s not just the smoke itself that can harm your teeth; it’s also the chemicals in tobacco that lead to gingivitis and dry mouth. When you smoke, you decrease your body’s ability to fight bacteria in the mouth. Over time, this leads to tooth loss and gum disease. If you’ve tried to quit smoking in the past without success, try again! Your mouth will thank you for it. To increase your chances of quitting for good, set a date to quit and try using the nicotine patch or gum. You’ll also want to talk to your doctor about prescription medications that can help you quit.

• Teeth Grinding

People who grind their teeth during sleep are referred to as bruxers. This process can damage the teeth in many ways. It can cause fractures in the teeth due to stress-related pressure on the teeth and jaw joints. Besides, this not only causes discomfort and pain but may also lead to TMJ disorders. Bruxism can also cause the gums to recede and can lead to loose or sensitive teeth that wear down much easier. Severe grinding may cause tooth enamel to be worn off entirely.

In addition to being painful and costly to repair, having worn-down teeth can affect the way you look. The worn-down teeth are more susceptible to issues such as staining and discoloration, as well as an increased chance of tooth decay. Not only can it affect your smile, but it can also affect the quality of your daily life. A mouth guard can be worn to protect your teeth from damage while sleeping. If you’re prone to teeth grinding, mention it when you come in for your routine exams and cleanings. We can suggest treatment options to help stop this bad habit for good!

• Using Teeth As Tools

People often use their teeth as a tool to open packages or even to crack open hard-shelled nuts like cashews and pistachios. While this may seem like no big deal, it can actually damage your smile over time. This is because your teeth aren’t meant to handle as much pressure as they endure when used as tools. Furthermore, cracking walnuts or opening bottles with your teeth can dull your pearly whites and make them more prone to discoloration. Plus, you could chip a tooth if you use them to break something down!

The good news is that you can prevent these issues by simply not using your teeth as a tool for opening packages. Instead, opt for a butter knife or other tool instead to open them. Likewise, opt for a pair of pliers the next time you need to break something apart rather than trying to make do with your teeth.

To learn more about our dental services or to schedule your appointment with our Dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, call us at (719) 374-5496 or visit our dental office located at 1359 Interquest Pkwy Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.