Five Bad Dental Habits to Leave Behind

It is your body, and it is your oral and dental health, and you are the best person to take care of it. However, there are many bad habits that can affect your oral health. Listed below are some common bad habits that can affect your dental health.

• Nail Biting

Nail biting is a common habit that many people possess. When it comes to your dental health, this bad habit can do some serious harm. Over time, the repetitive action of biting your nails can chip away at the surface of your teeth and wear them down. This, in turn, can leave them more susceptible to cavities and decay. The bacteria in your mouth can also cultivate under the edges of these damaged teeth and cause a serious infection that is hard to treat. All of these consequences can add up to severe damage to your smile over time.

Interestingly, even past the age of five or six, children who are still engaging in this behavior may suffer similar consequences. This is because the act of gnawing on the fingers can affect the shape of adult teeth that are still growing in the jaw. If you are a parent of a child who is displaying these habits and are concerned about the effects, it can have on their oral health, talk to your dentist about what you can do to address the problem.

• Smoking

Not only does smoking stain your teeth and make them yellow and discolored, but it also causes gum recession which can result in tooth loss. Gum disease is also more common in people who smoke. Furthermore, studies have shown that smoking increases your risk of oral cancer. Moreover, chewing tobacco is even worse for your oral health than cigarettes because the chemicals in chewing tobacco can enter the bloodstream through the mouth. Chewing tobacco can increase the risk of several oral health issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, leukoplakia, lip cancer, tongue cancer, and throat cancer. Please quit this bad habit right away!

• Brushing Teeth Aggressively

Many people brush their teeth too harshly, which can erode the enamel. Enamel is the strongest substance in the body and helps protect the teeth from daily wear and tear. If the enamel wears away, it can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. When patients visit the dentist for an exam or cleaning, it is common to find signs of enamel damage on the posterior teeth. People can improve their oral health by brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that does not contain abrasive materials.

• Teeth Grinding

Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding involves clenching and grinding of the teeth while asleep or awake. This can lead to the wearing down of tooth enamel and even the breaking of a tooth.

Here are some of the reasons why you may be grinding your teeth at night:

• Stress and anxiety
• Inability to relax your whole body
• Poor sleeping habits
• Teeth misalignment from poor dental care

The pain and damage that it causes can disrupt sleep and cause other physical issues. The good news is that it’s easy to treat by wearing a mouthguard when you go to sleep. Mouthguards can be purchased at the drugstore, but we recommend having them custom-made by our dentist instead. If you think you are suffering from bruxism, talk to your dentist right away!

• Skipping Dental Visits

Not seeing a dentist for regular checkups and cleanings can increase the risk of several oral health problems. For example, if you don’t visit the dentist regularly, you might miss signs of early periodontal disease, which can progress into gingivitis and eventually lead to tooth loss. Regular x-rays can also help find cavities early on so they can be filled before they become larger issues.

The American Dental Association recommends having your teeth cleaned and examined every six months by a dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. These appointments allow the dentist to detect any potential problems and provide treatment early before the problem gets out of hand. In addition, you will also receive helpful tips and information to help keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits. 

Schedule an appointment with McConnell Dental Care to learn more about good oral care practices. Visit us at 263 Country Club Dr #102, Stansbury Park, UT 84074. Contact us at (435) 249-0482 or visit our website to book an appointment with us.