Habits That Can Damage Oral And Dental Health

Good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy mouth and body. Many dental issues, such as gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss, are caused by bad oral hygiene and bad oral health habits. Here are some of them.

• Smoking

If you're a smoker, you know the habit is detrimental to your oral and overall health. You are also probably aware of the numerous ways it can negatively affect your oral health. In fact, tobacco use is the leading cause of tooth loss in older adults. The chemicals found in cigarettes cause tooth discoloration, gum disease, and even oral cancer. If you aren't ready to quit tobacco for good, talk to your dentist about ways you can protect your mouth from damage until you stop for good.

• Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding may seem like a harmless habit when you aren't aware of the damage it can cause to your teeth. People who grind their teeth have an increased chance of developing TMD and tooth damage, including broken teeth and cracked fillings. Over time, you can also wear down your tooth enamel. There are many causes of teeth grinding, but the most common is stress. If you find yourself grinding your teeth often at night, try to relax before going to bed and take your mind off stressful things. You may also want to try out a nightguard to protect your teeth from even more damage.

• Chewing Ice

Just like crunching on hard candy or cracking nuts with your teeth, chewing on ice can chip your tooth enamel. This can cause sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks and make your teeth look discolored. If you chew on ice because of a nervous habit, talk to your dentist about ways to break the habit.

• Nail Biting

While some people bite their nails as a nervous habit or when they're bored, this bad habit can lead to damaged nails and unhealthy oral conditions. Nail biting can also cause permanent damage to the teeth that may require cosmetic dentistry procedures like dental crowns and veneers to fix. If you've noticed cracked or broken nails or chips on your front teeth, you may be suffering from nail biting. And you should seek dental care as soon as possible. Your dentist may be able to help you break this bad habit so you can protect your oral health and improve your appearance at the same time. 

• Using Teeth As Tools

Many people use their teeth to open packages or crack nuts. While it might seem harmless enough, it can actually put your teeth at serious risk. Opening things with your teeth can cause tooth fractures and chips because the pressure is too hard for the enamel to handle. Likewise, jagged edges on nut shells can cut the soft tissue inside your mouth and cause cuts that can bleed. Over time, these habits can lead to painful infections and costly repairs.

• Aggressive Brushing

On the surface, it may seem counterintuitive that too much brushing can damage your teeth. But excessive brushing can wear away enamel, the protective layer of your teeth, and expose sensitive layers of dentin underneath. This can lead to increased sensitivity and cavities. Over-brushing can also lead to gum recession, a condition that exposes the tooth root and can cause sensitivity issues in the tooth roots. Use a soft toothbrush and only brush twice a day; any more than that can do more harm than good. And if you notice that you're experiencing any sensitivity, make sure to talk to your dentist about it. They can help identify any underlying conditions that might be causing it and recommend treatment if needed.

Wish to learn more tips for maintaining good oral hygiene? Schedule an appointment with us at Silver Summit Dental by calling us at (801) 542-0998 or visiting our office at 5734 13400 S, Herriman, UT, 84096.