Bad Habits That Can Damage Our Oral Health

Many of us have several bad habits that we can’t seem to get rid of. Some of these habits might damage our oral health, for example, nail-biting, smoking, brushing teeth aggressively, teeth grinding, or using teeth as tools. Not visiting a dentist regularly can also cause problems. Listed below are some other bad habits that can cause damage to our oral health.

• Nail Biting

Many people bite their nails without even realizing it! This can lead to various oral health problems, including damaged teeth and infections. It can also make your nails look unsightly and may make them discolored or brittle. If you do end up biting your fingernails, stop immediately! It’s easier said than done, but there are always ways to stop this bad habit for good. Try keeping your hands busy when you’re bored, such as carrying around a pen or playing with stress balls. Cut your nails so they’re short enough that you can’t reach them easily. Talk to a psychiatrist about your anxiety and try to relax when you feel stressed. You can also talk to a cosmetic dentist about fixing any damage to your teeth from nail biting.

• Smoking

When you smoke cigarettes, you subject your teeth to harmful chemicals and nicotine. In addition, smoking stains the teeth and causes bad breath. People who smoke tend to suffer from gum disease more often than non-smokers. They are also more likely to have oral cancer than people who don’t smoke.

Smokers are more likely to lose more teeth and take longer to replace missing teeth compared to people who never smoked. Gum disease from smoking can lead to tooth mobility and, eventually, tooth loss.

If you smoke and are struggling with quitting, talk to your dentist about treatments that can help you quit for good. These include medications and professional counseling.

• Tooth Grinding

Like nail biting, teeth grinding can cause damage to the entire mouth, including your gums and jaw. Teeth grinding can even cause temporomandibular joint disorder, which is a painful condition that makes it difficult to open and close the mouth. During a dental exam, the dentist may notice wear on your teeth and recommend you a night guard. 

• Brushing Teeth Aggressively

Brushing teeth aggressively can damage the teeth enamel and lead to enamel erosion. Many people think that using a soft-bristled toothbrush is not effective in removing plaque and tartar buildup. However, this is not true. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush prevents receding gums, tooth sensitivity, enamel loss, and gum recession. Thus, picking the right toothbrush is essential in preventing gum disease and other oral issues. And brush your teeth gently twice a day. 

At Floss Family Dentistry, we offer high-quality dental services using advanced technology. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with us, call us at (801) 610-7200 or visit our dental office at 2183 West Main Street, Suite 301A, Lehi, UT 84043.