Bad Habits That Can Negatively Impact Oral Health

Oral health is very important to your overall health. Brushing and flossing your teeth several times a day is not enough to maintain your oral health. You need to follow certain good habits. Listed below are some common bad oral habits that can compromise your oral health.

• Nail Biting

Nail biting is a common bad habit that can impact not only the appearance of the nails but your oral health as well. It can lead to tooth damage and infections in the gums due to the germs that can travel through the mouth to the fingertips and infect the nails and skin from the fingers to the elbows. Nail biting can also wear down or chip the teeth, causing the need for restorative dentistry treatment. The habit can also chip or crack the front teeth. Biting the nails continuously can also lead to discoloration of the teeth and increase the risk of cavities. If you bite your nails, quit it as soon as possible

• Brushing Teeth Aggressively

Brushing too hard can erode the enamel that protects your teeth. Brushing the teeth hard and vigorously can cause gum recession because it wears away the gum tissue. This exposes the tooth roots to infections and sensitivity. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles that are properly sized for your mouth. Use gentle strokes when brushing your teeth. Avoid brushing the gums too harshly because that can injure them. A soft-bristled toothbrush is best for removing plaque without harming your enamel. You should also replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles start to bend. Toothbrushes wear out over time and lose their effectiveness at cleaning the teeth. By replacing it more often, you will improve your oral health by getting rid of any bacteria that may be hiding in the bristles. 

• Using Teeth as Tools

Remember that your teeth are made for chewing food. They are not designed for opening beer bottles, tearing open packages, or open plastic bags. Crushing soda cans with your pearly whites can also cause them to chip or crack. If you have children, make sure you educate them on the dangers of using their teeth as a toy. Otherwise, you may end up with a visit to the ER for a knocked-out tooth.

• Smoking

Smoking is another bad habit that can lead to tooth loss, gum disease, and a host of medical problems. Tobacco products contain chemicals that can cause cancer in the lungs, mouth and other areas of the body. It can also affect your oral health by decreasing blood flow to the gums and throat. This means the body’s ability to fight infection is decreased as well. Tobacco also stains your teeth and causes tartar buildup that destroys enamel. It also causes bad breath, tooth discoloration, receding gums, tooth loss, and bone damage. Quitting smoking is always the best course of action for your health. If you need help quitting, visit our dentist. Quitting smoking can improve the health of your gums and prevent serious health problems. 

• Teeth Grinding

Tooth grinding is very common in adults and teens alike. It may be the result of a stressful life event, or simply a bad habit picked up over time that causes tension in our jaw muscles. Many people grind their teeth at night when they sleep, and they may not even be aware of it. However, others may notice that they always wake up with a sore jaw in the morning.

Teeth grinding can wear down our tooth enamel and lead to tooth loss. It can also exacerbate TMJ disorders and cause headaches or earaches. The best way to avoid this harmful habit is by wearing a mouthguard while you sleep to protect the teeth and prevent them from touching each other.

Get all your dental concerns addressed comprehensively by reaching out to Root Dental. Please get in touch with us at (772) 569-0123 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll be happy to guide you further.