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Good oral health is important for your overall well-being. It can help you maintain a beautiful smile, it can improve your overall health, and it can also impact your confidence. However, some bad oral care habits can harm our oral health. Here are some of them.

• Nail Biting

Nail biting is a compulsive behavior where an individual repeatedly bites their nails. This bad habit is unsanitary and can lead to infections in the fingers and cuticles. Nail biting is also bad for the teeth because it wears down the enamel, causes chipped teeth and exposes the tender layer of dentin underneath. If you have this damaging habit, quit it.

• Smoking

Cigarettes and other forms of tobacco are harmful to people’s health in general and especially bad for oral health. Tobacco stains your teeth and makes your breath smell bad. Smokers also often have gum disease and an increased risk of oral cancer. When you smoke, the nicotine and other chemicals harm your blood vessels and gums. As a result, if you experience dental problems, they will likely get worse without treatment. If you’re a smoker, it’s recommended that you quit smoking. It’s also important to visit your dentist if you notice any tooth pain, swelling, or other issues while chewing or tasting food. These could be symptoms of oral health issues like infection, decay, or even oral cancer. Quitting smoking could reduce your risk of mouth cancer by about half or more. Other benefits of quitting include improved overall health and better-smelling breath. 

• Brushing Teeth Aggressively

Most of the time, aggressive brushing is not intentional; we do it out of habit or because we are doing it incorrectly. However, when done incorrectly, it can damage our teeth and gums. A proper technique involves holding the toothbrush at an angle of about 45 degrees toward the teeth and moving the brush back and forth with short strokes. Make sure you are replacing your bristled toothbrushes every three to four months, and use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen your teeth. 

Another common mistake is using a hard-bristled toothbrush. It can wear down your enamel over time and make your gums recede faster. If you find it difficult to brush your teeth the right way or are suffering from early signs of gum disease such as bleeding, swelling, gum recession, etc., then schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. 

• Teeth Grinding

What’s tooth grinding? It’s an unconscious habit that can chip teeth and cause jaw pain. If you’re plagued by chronic jaw pain or notice your teeth are chipped or cracked, this may be the cause. Tooth grinding is often caused by stress but can also be exacerbated by sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea. A custom mouthguard can help protect your teeth from damage and prevent further damage to the jaw joint.

• Using Teeth As Tools

Many adults use their teeth to open packages or bottles, crack nuts, etc. While these tools may come in handy in a pinch, they are also likely to cause tooth damage. Chewing on ice is a common bad habit that can chip a tooth or cause tooth loss. These habits can also wear down the enamel on your teeth and lead to more serious oral health issues. So, stop using your teeth as tools, and use appropriate tools designed for the purpose. 

• Not Visiting the Dentist Regularly

Failing to visit the dentist at least once a year can really take a toll on your oral health. Even patients who brush and floss their teeth every day can still suffer from cavities and have oral health problems because of neglecting their appointments. During your examination, your dentist will be able to spot the early signs of tooth decay and give you tips for keeping your smile healthy between visits. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, we encourage you to schedule your next appointment today. 

Schedule an appointment with Silver Firs Dental to have a consultation with our dentist. We are at 13209 44th Ave SE #201, Mill Creek, WA 98012. Contact us at (425) 225-5757 or visit our website to book an appointment.