Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, but are your bad habits putting it at risk? From skipping brushing sessions to indulging in sugary treats, our daily routines can have a significant impact on our oral health. Schedule an appointment to learn more!
Bad Habits That Affect Teeth
There are many bad habits that can affect our oral health. Nail biting, using teeth as tools, chewing ice cubes, frequent snacking, thumb sucking, teeth grinding, and brushing too hard are a few of them. Read on to learn more.
Nail biting
While many people bite their nails out of nervousness or habit, it’s actually one of the worst habits for your oral health! It can damage your teeth and gums and even cause infection. If you struggle with nail-biting, try wearing gloves when you go out in public until you can kick the habit for good. You can talk to our dentist in Phoenix, AZ, about other strategies to help you stop as well.
Not brushing your teeth often enough
Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session may be a chore, but it’s essential to your oral and overall health. By not keeping your mouth clean, you can actually increase your risk of gum disease.
Not flossing enough
While your toothbrush does a pretty good job of cleaning the surfaces of your teeth and gums, it can’t get into every tiny crevice in your mouth to get rid of trapped food particles and bacteria that can contribute to tooth decay or gum disease. That’s why it’s so important to floss regularly – at least once per day.
Using teeth as tools
Another bad habit that can put your oral health at risk is the habit of using teeth as tools. Many people use their teeth to cut tape, open packages, or rip tags off clothing. However, this can cause severe damage to your teeth.
This habit can contribute to serious wear and tear on your teeth. You could wear down your enamel to the point where it causes cracks and chips in your teeth. This can affect your appearance, self-confidence, and oral health.
It’s best to avoid bad habits like this to protect your teeth and overall wellness. If you need help breaking this habit, ask our dentist in Phoenix, AZ, for tips and tricks. They can help you replace this habit with others that use your hands instead. That way, you can still accomplish all of your daily tasks while also protecting your teeth.
Chewing on ice
Chewing ice can be a bad habit that many people engage in without thinking of the consequences. Ice is very hard, and chewing on it can damage the tooth enamel, making teeth appear more yellow or discolored over time. It can also damage the gums. If the gum line starts receding, it can make the teeth look longer, increasing the risk of them being damaged further. The habit can also make you more likely to get a tooth infection, such as a cavity or a root canal. In extreme cases, it can even result in the loss of a tooth.
To learn more, visit West Portland Dental at 100 W Portland St Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85003, or call (602) 580-0414. Our team will guide you further.
