Your oral health is just as important as your overall health. It’s paramount to take care of your teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene can lead to several dental and medical problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even heart disease.
Numerous habits can harm your teeth and gums, so it’s important to be aware of them. Here are eight of them:
1) Biting Nails
Biting your nails is quite a bad habit that can damage your teeth. When you bite your nails, you can chip or crack your teeth. You may also damage your gums. If you want to stop, try picking a nail color or keep your nails trimmed short. If stress is causing your nail biting, consider alternative solutions to stress relief.
2) Brushing Too Much
Many may think that brushing their teeth too much is a good thing, but it’s actually not. Brushing your teeth a little too often or too hard can damage your gum tissue and wear away your tooth enamel. This can lead to sensitivity and other problems. You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Use gentle motions with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
3) Grinding Teeth
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a bad habit that can damage your teeth. Bruxism can wear your pearly whites down and even crack them. Grinding can also cause pain in your jaw. If you catch yourself grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist. They can help you find a solution to the problem.
4) Chewing on Objects
Chewing on hard objects, such as pens or pencils, can damage your teeth. Cracking or chipping your teeth can happen as a result. If you chew on objects often, it’s important to be careful and to stop if you feel any pain. If you find yourself wanting to chew on something, try using a straw or chewing gum instead. This will help you avoid chewing hard objects.
5) Misusing Your Teeth
Your teeth are for eating, not for other things. For example, you shouldn’t use your teeth to open packages. This can crack your teeth. You also shouldn’t use your teeth as a tool to cut things. If you need to open something, use a knife or a pair of scissors. If you need to hold something, use your hands instead.
6) Playing Without a Mouthguard
If you play sports, you need to wear a mouthguard. Wearing one ensures that your teeth are protected from getting chipped or cracked. It can also help you avoid getting a concussion. If you play contact sports, make it a point to always wear a mouthguard. This is especially important if you have braces.
7) Eating Acidic Foods Repeatedly
Acidic foods can damage your teeth in a few ways. First, the acid can eat away at the enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. They can also make them more likely to get cavities. If you do eat acidic foods, you should brush your teeth afterward. Plus, drink plenty of water and limit how often you eat them.
8) Forgetting to Floss
If you don’t floss, you miss out on a crucial part of oral hygiene. It helps remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles from between your teeth. This can help prevent cavities and gum disease. You should brush and floss simultaneously, so you don’t forget to do one or the other. It’s helpful to establish a routine to remember to do it daily.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is important to be aware of the habits that can harm your teeth and oral health to avoid them. By following the info above, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and avoid costly dental problems down the road.
Looking for a family dentist in Melrose, MA? Dr. Piro Leno and the staff at Melrose Family Dental offer patients comprehensive dental care and education about their oral health. Visit us today!