Habits That Can Damage Our Oral And Dental Health

Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums and a healthy smile. A poor dental hygiene can lead to various dental problems, such as tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Listed below are some bad habits that can damage your oral hygiene.

• Smoking

Chronic bad breath and stained teeth are just a few of the tell-tale signs that you’re a smoker, but there are many others. Most smokers don’t even realize their habit is damaging their teeth until it’s too late. Aside from darkened teeth and severe staining from tar and other chemicals in cigarettes or cigars, there’s significant bone loss in the jaw, which increases the risk of tooth loss. Smokers are also twice as likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers because tobacco dries out the mouth and can aggravate existing gum issues.

While quitting may seem like a daunting task for many smokers, there are numerous resources available to help make it a reality. Quitting cold turkey may be tough, so consider using medication or a smoking cessation patch to help you kick the habit once and for all! Be aware that quitting is tough, so be persistent and patient with yourself. 

• Aggressive Teeth Brushing

Most people brush their teeth too aggressively and end up damaging their enamel. This often occurs due to an incorrect toothbrushing technique or simply the habit of being too hard on your teeth. It is important to be aware of the repercussions of aggressive teeth and gum cleaning. Not only can it cause tooth sensitivity and discomfort, but it can also wear away your enamel over time. This can lead to further problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, that require additional dental treatments. Make sure you are practicing healthy dental care habits by talking to our team about proper brushing techniques and which toothpaste is best for your needs. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

• Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding and teeth clenching are all common habits that can cause tooth damage over time. These habits put an incredible amount of pressure on the teeth, which can cause the teeth to wear down over time. Chronic teeth grinding and teeth clenching can lead to enamel loss, tooth decay, sensitivity in the teeth, and even headaches and more serious issues. It’s important to visit your dentist if you experience consistent jaw pain, as this could indicate chronic teeth grinding or clenching at night while you sleep. Your dentist can create a custom mouth guard for you to wear during sleep to prevent you from damaging your teeth with too much pressure. They can also help determine what could be causing your chronic teeth grinding or clenching, providing treatment options such as making lifestyle modifications or prescribing you medication.

• Using Teeth as Tools

Do you use your front teeth to open bottles? Or to remove cloth tags or open packages? Remember that this is not what your teeth are made for. If you use your teeth in the wrong manner, they can wear down and break.

When we use a tooth as a tool, the force we put on it increases tenfold. This extra force is harsh on your teeth and can result in broken teeth and fillings. It can also cause you to chip or crack a tooth, which will lead to further complications like gum disease. All of these habits are very unhealthy for your oral and overall health. If you’re doing something that damages your teeth, you should stop immediately. Your teeth were made for chewing food, not to be scraped against hard objects or put under extreme pressure. Talk to your dentist if you’re struggling with any of these issues, and they can help you come up with solutions.

Dr. Darian, D.D.S. of Winning Smiles Dentistry, is here to provide you with the best treatment and advice possible. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about our dental services, please contact us at (623) 777-7942. Alternatively, you can visit us at your nearest location to see the dentist in Glendale or the dentist in Phoenix.