Good oral health is the key to having a healthy body. To enjoy good oral health, we have to practice good dental habits. However, there are some bad dental habits that can negatively impact our teeth. Listed below are some common bad dental habits that can cause dental problems.
- Smoking
Smoking is bad for your health in general, but it can also damage your oral health. Smokers are more likely to lose their teeth than those who don’t smoke. People who smoke are also more likely to suffer from gum disease or oral cancer. Inhaling the smoke from the cigarette irritates the gums and makes them bleed easily. It also causes bad breath. Many of the chemicals in cigarettes cause tooth discoloration and wear down enamel. This could lead to the need for cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening or veneers. If you are a smoker, you should quit as soon as possible.
- Brushing Teeth Aggressively
Many people tend to brush their teeth too hard and too frequently. While the goal is to remove food particles and plaque and improve gum health, brushing too forcefully can cause damage to the enamel of our teeth. Enamel is the hardest substance in our body, but if damaged too much, then it will not repair itself. This can lead to sensitivity problems later. It’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive brushing habits such as scrubbing back and forth or using pressure to massage the gums. The bristles of the toothbrush should gently glide over each tooth surface without applying pressure. It’s also important to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle when cleaning your teeth. This helps clean all surfaces of a tooth and prevent damage.
- Teeth Grinding
Bruxism, or teeth-grinding, often occurs subconsciously during sleep, and many people aren’t even aware that they do it. The clenching and grinding can lead to sore jaws, headaches, and even damaged teeth and dental restorations. If you’ve been waking up with a headache, consider the possibility of bruxism. Your dentist will be able to make a custom mouthguard to protect you from further damage and pain caused by teeth grinding. Contact us today if you’ve noticed you’ve been grinding your teeth at night.
- Not Visiting The Dentist Regularly
A regular visit to the dentist can help fix small issues before they are exacerbated by time or contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. If these issues aren’t addressed early on, they can lead to bigger problems that require more extensive treatment or even surgery to correct.
If you are dealing with a minor toothache or a broken tooth, don’t put off seeing a dentist. They can help provide you with the relief you need and prevent the problem from getting worse. Don’t let minor issues that could be easily treated grow into something more serious. Instead, visit your dentist as soon as you notice a problem.
Don’t wait until you’re in pain to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Being proactive about your dental care is much better than being reactive. Set up an appointment with us today and stay on top of your oral health!
Del Rey Dental is equipped with the best dentists and modern amenities that enable the best treatment for patients. To schedule your appointment with us, visit our office at 11525 Jupiter Rd #103, Dallas, TX 75218. You can also reach us at (469) 917-7444 and schedule an appointment.