Posted by South Friendswood Dental Associates on Nov 8 2022, 04:00 AM
What are some bad dental habits? Many people don't realize that some of their daily habits can be harmful to their teeth. Here are some of the worst offenders.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can wreak havoc on your smile. The most common sign of teeth grinding is waking up with a headache or a dull headache that persists throughout the day. You may be grinding your teeth at night while asleep and not realize it because it doesn't happen while you're awake. In addition to headaches, teeth grinding can lead to tooth damage and tooth loss if not treated properly by your dentist. Your dentist may recommend a night guard for severe cases of teeth grinding as the device will help to prevent you from unconsciously grinding your teeth. If a dentist has recommended a night guard or any other device to help treat your symptoms of bruxism, it is important that you use it every night and follow the directions from your dentist.
Cigarettes and other tobacco products contain chemicals that stain the teeth and weaken the gums. The smoke from cigarettes can also irritate the soft tissues of your mouth, increasing your risk of gum disease. In addition, tobacco use can increase your risk of developing oral cancers and cause bad breath. If you have trouble quitting smoking on your own, ask your dentist about treatments that can help. For instance, some dentists offer counseling for tobacco cessation and medication to help you stop smoking.
Failing to floss enough is one of the most common oral health habits that people do wrong. While regular brushing helps remove plaque from the surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line, it doesn't penetrate the tight spaces between the teeth or under the gums. Using an interdental brush can help remedy this, but flossing is absolutely necessary as well.
If you don't floss often enough, you're more likely to develop cavities and gum disease as a result. Plaque buildup can also cause the tooth enamel to wear down over time, so it's important to get the bacteria off of your teeth right away. Flossing also removes debris from between teeth, which can contribute to bad breath or yellowing of the teeth when it isn't removed.
Are you constantly biting your nails? This habit can cause your front teeth to chip or crack over time. It can also damage the soft tissue around our nails and cause infections in our hands. If you find yourself constantly biting and picking at your fingernails, try to break the habit:
While it may seem faster to use your teeth as a tool to open a package or cut a string on a box, there are many reasons why this isn't really a good idea. First, this puts a lot of pressure on your teeth. This pressure can crack a tooth or cause it to move out of alignment, which can result in the need for a root canal treatment or a dental crown in the future. Additionally, this allows you to put things in your mouth that you don't know they're made of – like shards of glass from a shattered bottle of wine – which can lead to an infection of the gums and mouth. It's best to find another way to open your packages. You can consider investing in a pair of scissors or reverting to another method you used before!
Chewing on ice is a common habit that can chip and crack your teeth. Plus, cold temperatures can numb your mouth and cause sensitivity.
Schedule an appointment with South Friendswood Dental Associates for comprehensive oral care. We are located at 699 S Friendswood Dr., Suite #108, Friendswood, TX 77546. Contact us at (281) 482-7731 or visit our website to book an appointment.
