Bad Dental Habits You Need To Change For Better Oral Health

Did you know that there are bad habits that can cause harm to our oral health? Listed below are a few bad habits that most of us are guilty of and are doing damage to our oral health.

Nail Biting

When you bite your nails, you can cause chips or cracks in your teeth. Over time you will wear down your enamel and cause sensitivity. You also risk infection and disease entering your body through your mouth. Dentists recommend keeping your hands busy with productive activities rather than biting your nails.

Smoking

Smokers and tobacco users are at a higher risk of oral complications and oral cancers than others. Tobacco contains chemicals like tar and nicotine that can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the gums. These harmful chemicals can irritate the gum tissue and cause gum diseases. Studies have also linked tobacco use to many other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. Cigarette smoking is also linked to poor oral health because it can cause staining of the teeth and bad breath. Moreover, smokers are more likely to develop periodontal diseases like gingivitis. People who smoke or use tobacco products are also more prone to oral cancer, which is a potentially fatal disease. If detected early, it can be cured; if not, it can turn into a severe condition. According to a study, people who had been smoking for more than 30 years had a six times greater risk of developing this disease as compared to nonsmokers.

Quitting smoking is good for your overall health as well as for your oral health! We offer help for quitting at our practice with smoking cessation aids like gum, patches, or mouth rinses.

Aggressive Brushing

Most people don’t know that brushing your teeth too aggressively can cause damage to your gums and even to the enamel of your teeth. The bristles of a toothbrush are quite stiff, and if they hit teeth with too much force, they will get pushed back and will damage the gums. This can cause gum recession and bleed, which will eventually lead to bone loss. If a tooth is worn down, it will also chip or break, which is another reason to visit your dentist for a routine checkup. Frequent flossing is also essential, as it removes any food debris that can get stuck between teeth and cause decay.

Teeth Grinding

Tooth grinding is a common problem that can cause damage to your teeth and jaw joints. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you may be experiencing tooth pain. Bruxism can also cause headaches, earaches, facial pain, and even neck pain. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can cause severe discomfort in the jaw muscles. TMD can also affect how you talk and the way you eat. And, because bruxism can impact your appearance, the more you grind your teeth, the more your smile will be affected.

Night guards are a simple solution for patients who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding). A night guard is a custom-made oral appliance that is worn over your top or bottom arch while you sleep. This will prevent your teeth from clenching together and causing excessive wear on your teeth. Your dentist may suggest a night guard if you grind your teeth or if you wake up with a sore jaw or headache. Consult your dentist if you think you are suffering from this condition.

To learn more about our dental services or schedule an appointment with us, call our dentist at (817) 924-6211 or visit our dental office located at 2469 Forest Park Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76110.