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Having healthy teeth is an essential part of living a full, happy life. Unfortunately, there are many habits that can put our dental health at risk and lead to cavities, tooth decay, and other serious issues. From eating sugary snacks too often to not brushing properly or regularly enough, these bad habits can have damaging effects on our oral hygiene.
In this article we will discuss 10 of the most common habits that may be harming your teeth and provide tips for how you can break them in order to maintain good oral health.
Do you frequently run out of time to brush and floss in the morning? Or maybe you stay up late and fall asleep in front of the television without performing your nighttime oral hygiene routine? Making time for your oral health is one of the most important parts of your day. Brushing and flossing your teeth should be done at least twice a day. Not brushing regularly can lead to plaque buildup, which can cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Using teeth as tools is not a habit that should be encouraged. Not only can it damage the enamel of the teeth and cause cracks, chips, and fractures, but it can also lead to other oral health problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and even infections.
Teeth are meant to be used for chewing and breaking down food; they are not designed to open packages or act as tools. Doing so can also increase the risk of jaw misalignment, which can cause headaches and joint pain. If you must use your teeth to perform an action, be sure to do it carefully and gently so as to minimize any potential damage.
Biting nails is a habit that can be especially damaging to your teeth and gums. Not only does it increase the risk of tooth decay, but it can also lead to enamel erosion, gum recession, and infections. Biting nails introduces bacteria and other germs into the mouth which can cause an imbalance in your oral microbiome, leading to an increased risk of infection and disease. Additionally, biting nails causes wear and tear on the enamel of the teeth which makes them more prone to damage such as fractures and chips. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, it is best to break the habit of nail-biting by replacing it with other activities such as chewing on sugar-free gum or crunchy fruits and vegetables. Regular dental checkups are also recommended in order to assess any potential damage caused by this habit.
Grinding or clenching teeth can have damaging effects on the mouth, including chipped and cracked teeth, increased wear and tear on the enamel of the teeth, tooth sensitivity, and even loss of the protective coating that covers the roots of your teeth. This habit is often associated with stress and anxiety, so it is important to identify the underlying cause of this habit to properly address it. In addition to wearing away at your tooth enamel, grinding or clenching your teeth can also lead to jaw tenderness and pain as well as headaches.
If left untreated, this habit can lead to long-term damage such as deterioration of the jawbone and even a misalignment of the jaw joint. To reduce symptoms associated with this habit, it is important to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga to reduce stress levels.
Additionally, wearing a night guard while you sleep can help to protect your teeth from further damage caused by grinding or clenching. Finally, regular visits with a dentist are recommended in order to assess any potential damage that has been done.
Chewing ice is an incredibly common habit, especially among people who are trying to stay cool in the summer heat. While it might seem harmless and even refreshing, chewing on ice can be dangerous for your dental health. The extreme cold of the ice cubes can cause teeth to become sensitive and brittle, making them more prone to cracking or chipping. Additionally, the hard texture of the ice can wear away the enamel of your teeth, leading to increased sensitivity and erosion over time.
Chewing on ice also increases your risk of developing cavities as it exposes your teeth to more sugar than if you were drinking a sugary drink without chewing on the ice cubes. Finally, this habit can also lead to gum recession as the sharp edges of the cubes may irritate or injure delicate gum tissues. To keep your teeth healthy and strong, it is important to break this habit by finding healthier alternatives such as crunchy fruits and vegetables or sugar-free gum.
Consuming sugary and acidic foods and drinks in excess can be detrimental to your dental health. Eating too many sugary snacks or drinking sugary beverages increases the risk of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. The bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars in these food items, producing an acid that damages the enamel of your teeth. Acidic foods and drinks such as citrus fruits, sports drinks, and soda can also cause damage when consumed in excess.
While some acidic foods are beneficial to your oral health, they should be consumed in moderation as their high acidity levels can weaken tooth enamel over time. Additionally, frequent consumption of highly acidic food items can increase the risk of enamel erosion which can lead to increased sensitivity and discoloration of teeth. To keep your teeth healthy and strong, it is important to limit sugary snacks and beverages as well as highly acidic foods such as citrus fruits.
In addition to paying attention to what you eat and drink, it is also important to maintain good dental hygiene by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. Regular visits with a dentist are also recommended in order to assess any potential damage that may have been done due to excessive consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks.
Using tobacco products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco can have serious consequences for your dental health. Smoking cigarettes can stain and discolor the teeth, and regular consumption of smokeless tobacco can lead to gum recession, tooth decay, and even oral cancer.
Tobacco use is also linked to an increased risk of periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis which can lead to pain, tooth loss, and other serious complications. Additionally, smoking cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco may reduce the effectiveness of certain treatments used to address dental issues due to an increased susceptibility of the gums and teeth to infection. Finally, smoking has been associated with xerostomia (dry mouth) which reduces saliva production in the mouth resulting in an environment more conducive to bacteria growth.
To protect your oral health from further damage, it is important to quit smoking or cease all forms of tobacco use. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways individuals can improve their overall health including their dental health. In addition, establishing a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste along with flossing will help maintain healthier teeth and gums. Regular visits with a dentist are also recommended in order to assess any potential damage that may have been done due to the use of tobacco products.
Excessive consumption of coffee and tea can have a negative impact on dental health. The tannins found in these beverages are naturally acidic and when consumed in excess may cause the enamel of your teeth to erode, leading to increased sensitivity and discoloration of teeth.
In addition to the acidic nature of these beverages, their high caffeine content can also be detrimental as it may lead to xerostomia (dry mouth) which reduces saliva production in the mouth resulting in an environment more conducive to bacteria growth. This can increase the risk of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease over time. Furthermore, drinking coffee or tea with added sugar increases the risk of cavities as the bacteria present in your mouth feed on sugars, producing an acid that damages your tooth enamel.
To protect your teeth from damage caused by excessive consumption of coffee or tea, it is important to limit your intake and choose healthier alternatives such as unsweetened coffee or tea instead. Additionally, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. Regular visits with a dentist are also recommended in order to assess any potential damage that may have been done due to excessive consumption of coffee or tea.
Using teeth whitening products, such as toothpastes, gels and trays, too frequently or without proper professional guidance can be damaging to the teeth. Although these products are effective in removing surface stains from teeth, they can also erode the enamel of the teeth if used too often. Teeth whitening products contain a bleaching agent that works to lighten discoloration caused by things such as smoking or drinking coffee. In addition to changing the color of your teeth, however, using these products too often can also lead to increased sensitivity and pain in the mouth due to their abrasive nature. Furthermore, since these products contain bleach they may cause irritation on the gums if used incorrectly or without proper instruction from a dentist.
It is important to note that any type of tooth whitening procedure should only be done under professional supervision. Additionally, individuals should use fluoride toothpaste when brushing in order to help protect their enamel from additional erosion due to frequent use of whitening products.
Skipping regular dental check-ups and cleanings can significantly decrease the overall health of your teeth and gums. When you keep your regular appointments at Downey Dental Arts, it allows our experienced team to assess any potential damage and spot any early signs of decay, cavities, and gum disease before the situation becomes more serious.
Additionally, these visits allow us to perform routine professional cleanings which remove plaque and tartar buildup that are difficult to remove with at home brushing alone. These cleanings also help to prevent further damage from occurring by reducing bacterial load in the mouth. Furthermore, professional cleanings also help keep tooth enamel stronger by removing any surface stains that may have been caused by foods and beverages such as coffee or tea.
Are you looking for a dentist in Downey, CA? Call the friendly team at Downey Dental Arts to schedule your next appointment today at (562) 371-0187
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