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Many bad habits can have a negative effect on our oral health. Nail biting, smoking, teeth grinding, using teeth as tools, and not visiting a dentist regularly are some of the habits that can affect your oral health. Listed below are some of the habits that can affect your oral health.

• Nail Biting

Nail-biting can damage your teeth by wearing down the enamel, the protective layer over the dentine, and the pulp. Tooth enamel does not grow back, so once it has been worn away through excessive nail biting, the tooth is left exposed and vulnerable to infection. When this occurs, the teeth become more susceptible to decay and other damage. Additionally, nails harbor bacteria and germs from the outside world, which can enter the mouth through an open mouth during nail biting. If caught early, your dentist may be able to repair damaged teeth and offer advice for kicking your habit for good. You can also try applying polish or artificial nails to cover them. This will discourage you from biting your nails. You can also try to fidget with something to keep your hands busy, like a pencil or stress ball.

• Smoking

Smoking and other forms of tobacco use are also extremely damaging to your oral health. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can quickly turn your teeth yellow and stained. It will also irritate your gums and cause them to recede from the teeth. Chewing tobacco will also wear down your enamel, leaving the tooth surface exposed to decay. Tobacco use can lead to oral cancer, gum disease, bad breath, and lost teeth. Furthermore, tobacco users can suffer from complications during and after oral surgery procedures. Smokers should be sure to discuss their tobacco use with their dentist and consider quitting before undergoing any oral surgical procedures.

• Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is another common bad habit people have that can seriously harm their oral health. The repeated pressure placed on teeth when these habits occur can result in chipped or broken teeth or worn down teeth. Moreover, bruxism can place excess pressure on the jaw muscles, leading to chronic headaches and neck aches. A custom night guard may be an effective way to prevent the effects of bruxism and protect your smile while you rest.

• Aggressive Brushing

While brushing your teeth twice a day is crucial to your oral health, some people tend to brush too aggressively. Using too much force when brushing can wear down the enamel of your teeth and cause your gums to become inflamed and red in spots. To avoid this problem, brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a soft circular pattern to ensure thorough cleaning of each tooth.

It’s important to take time when you are brushing your teeth so that you can carefully clean your entire mouth without damaging your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush in small circles to clean each tooth. Be sure to thoroughly clean the gum line as well to remove harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Doubletake Dental, call (801) 225-1002 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 163 N 400 W St A1, Orem, UT, 84057.