Bad Habits You Should Avoid

Good oral habits are important for maintaining good oral health. However, we can sometimes develop some bad habits that are bad for your oral health.

• Nail Biting

Many people bite their nails when they are stressed or nervous. This can actually be a common symptom of anxiety, and nail-biting can be detrimental to your oral health as well. Biting the nails can lead to chipped or broken teeth and can also lead to infection in the surrounding tissue of the nail bed. If you bite your nails, try quitting the habit.

• Smoking

Did you know that smoking can increase your risk of oral cancer? It can also affect the gum tissues causing gum recession and tooth discoloration. The nicotine in cigarettes can stain the teeth and cause bad breath as well. Besides, tobacco is carcinogenic and can compromise your immune system. So, the best thing you can do is to quit smoking. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you quit this bad habit!

• Brushing Teeth Aggressively

When you brush your teeth too hard or too frequently, it can damage the enamel. Gum recession can also be caused by aggressive tooth brushing. Similarly, mouthwash and fluoride can also damage your enamel when overused. You should brush with a soft-bristled brush using gentle strokes and never put too much force while scrubbing your teeth. It is also recommended to use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and reduces the incidence of cavities. People who use braces should use soft-bristled toothbrushes to clean their appliances. Flossing with braces is also essential to maintain good oral health. 

• Teeth Grinding

People who grind their teeth often do so subconsciously while they sleep. This bad habit can wear down tooth enamel, damage teeth, and lead to headaches and jaw pain. The constant pressure can also wear down the temporomandibular joint over time and cause joint disorders like TMJ. If you suspect that you might be grinding your teeth at night, it’s best to ask your dentist about options like mouthguards to help stop the habit or prevent serious damage.

• Chewing On Hard Objects

In addition to wearing away tooth enamel and causing heightened sensitivity, you can also chip or break a tooth while chewing on hard objects like ice. Even something as harmless as a pencil eraser can chip and crack teeth if you’re not careful. To protect your smile from external damage, avoid chewing on ice, pencils, pens, and other hard substances. 

• Using Teeth As Tools

Teeth are meant for chewing and breaking down food particles so that they can be digested. However, some people tend to use their teeth as a tool like bottle openers or scissors or for ripping open packages. These habits can cause breakages and even fractures in the teeth. The surrounding gum tissue can also be damaged when these activities are performed repetitively. So next time you want to use your teeth as a tool for opening packages, don’t. Your teeth will thank you for it in the long run!

Contact Everyone's Family Dental to receive the best dental treatments in Schofield, WI, by calling (715) 803-2535 or visiting us at 2809 Schofield Avenue Suite B, Schofield, WI 54476.