Bad Habits to Avoid If You Want Healthy Teeth and Gums

Everyone has their own set of oral hygiene habits. These habits can be good or bad. Good habits help keep your smile healthy, while bad can lead to a variety of dental issues. Here are some bad habits that damage your teeth and lead to oral health problems

• Nail Biting

In children, excessive nail biting can lead to developmental issues in the bite and lead to crooked or crowded teeth. Children who habitually bite their nails also have an increased risk of developing mouth infections. Adults who bite their nails are at risk of damaging their teeth by cracking them or chipping a tooth. If you have the habit of nail-biting, quit it for good. 

• Smoking

Another bad habit that can cause damage to our oral health is smoking. Not only is this bad for your lungs and throat, but it can also cause your teeth to become discolored from the tar deposits left behind. Smoking also increases your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. In addition to staining the teeth, nicotine and carbon monoxide have a negative impact on gum tissues causing them to recede away from the teeth. This exposes the roots of the teeth and makes the patient more susceptible to tooth decay. Smokers also are more likely to develop oral cancers and leukoplakia, a disease of the soft tissues of the mouth that causes white patches to form on the tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks, and the floor of the mouth. So, one of the best things you can do for your oral health is to quit smoking. If you currently smoke and considering quitting, there are many resources and methods available to help you quit for good. Consider discussing these methods with your dentist or doctor before making a final decision. Your oral health will improve dramatically once you kick the habit!

• Brushing Teeth Aggressively

If your teeth feel rough or your enamel is thinning, you may be brushing too hard. If you brush too harshly, it can damage your enamel and could be doing more harm than good. You should gently brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time using a soft bristle toothbrush. Be sure to floss daily as well. If you are concerned about the condition of your gums or teeth, schedule a consultation with us, and we can evaluate and recommend the best oral hygiene techniques. 

• Using Teeth As Tools

When we use our teeth as tools to open bottles or packages, they can suffer damage. This can cause cracks and chips in the enamel of your teeth. Your teeth can become loose and even fall out in some circumstances. There are other options available to replace tools like scissors or a screwdriver with your mouth and teeth. You can use your hands, get a pair of pliers instead, or buy an electric tool to do these things for you. It’s not worth the risk of using your teeth for these tasks.

• Not Visiting The Dentist Regularly

Dental cleanings and exams are vital for healthy teeth and gums. Dentists can detect early signs of tooth decay and gum disease at their earliest stages for successful treatment. When patients get regular dental checkups and cleanings, they can avoid cavities and periodontal disease by stopping any problems in their tracks. So, it is important to see the dentist every six months for a checkup to stay on track. Patients who are pregnant or those suffering from gum diseases, diabetes, or heart disease should visit their dentist more frequently than usual to make sure their mouths stay healthy, and their conditions remain under control.

Visit AC Dentistry at 7350 Cahaba Valley Rd. #106, Birmingham, AL 35242, or call (205) 533-6799 for the best dental care.