Taking care of our oral health is of utmost importance. The dental health of a person is an indicator of his overall health. There are some habits that can damage our oral health. Listed below are the bad habits that can jeopardize the health of your teeth and gums.
Nail Biting
Nail biting is a common habit that most of us have indulged in at some point in our lives. Some individuals bite their nails or chew on their hair out of nervousness and stress, while others bite them because they crave the action. This habit can chip or break the teeth and cause enamel loss. So, regardless of the reason, it is important to stop this bad habit as soon as possible. This not only helps keep your teeth and gums healthy but also prevents infection and the possibility of other serious complications from developing.
If you notice that you frequently bite your nails, try to break this bad habit by wearing gloves when your hands are idle or chewing gum as a replacement. If you choose to use nail polish, make sure to choose a brand that is non-toxic to the mouth. It is also a good idea to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This gives you the opportunity to discuss your habits with the dentist and get suggestions.
Smoking
If you smoke cigarettes or cigars, you are putting yourself at risk for oral cancer and gum disease. The chemicals contained in tobacco products damage the gums and cause bad breath, yellow teeth, and tooth loss. Tobacco users also have a higher risk of developing oral cancer. If you have the habit, quit it as soon as possible.
Brushing Teeth Aggressively
Many people brush their teeth with too much force! This can cause damage to the tooth enamel, leading to decay and sensitive teeth. If you use an electric toothbrush, set it to a soft setting and don’t press too hard into the teeth and gums. Always use soft bristles on your toothbrush to avoid damaging your teeth.
Teeth Grinding
When a person grinds their teeth while sleeping, they may actually be causing some serious damage to their mouth and jaw without even realizing it! Believe it or not, about 20% of all people are affected with bruxism disorder. When a dentist examines the mouth, he or she may see signs of the damaging effects of teeth grinding, for example, excessive wear on the enamel, flattened tooth surfaces, increased sensitivity in the teeth, and pain. Over time, the effects may get worse as the damage adds up.
Effects On Your Mouth
When teeth grinding occurs often, it can cause a lot of damage to your teeth and surrounding structures. Some of the effects include:
- Increased tooth sensitivity and tenderness
- A dulled or worn-down appearance of the teeth
- Pain or soreness in the face, ears, neck, or jaw
- Loosening of teeth or tooth loss
- Headaches or earaches in the morning due to the clenching of the jaw all night
- Worn down or fractured fillings and crowns
- Misaligned bite
- Problems with the TMJ or temporomandibular joint
If you have the habit of teeth grinding, you will benefit from a mouthguard to prevent any damage to the teeth.
Not Visiting The Dentist Regularly
It is very important to visit the dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. It might sound gross, but going to the dentist can actually help your overall health. This is because a dentist can detect early signs of serious health complications such as diabetes, oral cancer, etc.
Many people put off their dental appointments due to anxiety or even a lack of dental insurance. However, it’s good to remember that these procedures can help avoid discomfort in the future. By receiving preventative dental care, you can avoid the need for fillings, root canals, and more invasive dental procedures down the road. And because it’s much less expensive to prevent cavities than it is to treat them, preventive visits can save you money as well!
AV Dental Wellness Group, located in Lancaster, CA, is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that help to impart dental care services to patients. Schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn more about the dental services we offer.