Blog

Nail biting, smoking, teeth grinding, and using teeth as tools are all bad oral habits that can cause damage to oral health. Not visiting a dentist for regular dental checkups, brushing teeth aggressively, and poor oral hygiene habits are also bad for oral health.

• Nail Biting

Nail biting is a common bad habit that can damage your oral health by chipping or cracking your teeth and injuring your gums. Over time, nail biting can also damage the soft tissue of your mouth and can cause infections. Because nail biting is often done unconsciously, it may be difficult to stop. There are a few methods you can try to help you stop this habit. First, try wearing a mouthguard at night. This will protect your teeth from any damage when you wake up with cracked or chipped teeth. Second, keep your hands busy during the day. This will help keep you from putting your fingers in your mouth and keep your mind off of the urge to bite your nails. Talk to your doctor about other ways you can stop your bad habit.

If you’ve damaged your teeth due to your bad habit, we can help repair the damage and restore your smile. Schedule an appointment with us by calling our office today!

• Smoking

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), smoking causes a wide range of serious oral problems, including gum disease and oral cancer. Smokers are six times more likely to get gum disease than non-smokers, and the gums are twice as likely to recede in smokers compared to non-smokers. In addition to affecting gum health, smoking also stains teeth and can negatively affect the breath. Tobacco users are more likely to have cavities than non-users because the chemicals in cigarettes weaken the enamel. The acidity from smoke also increases plaque buildup, which wears away at tooth enamel and causes cavities. Additionally, tobacco use is a major risk factor for oral cancer, which is highly treatable when caught early but can be fatal if left untreated. The best way to avoid oral health issues caused by smoking is to quit the habit altogether.

• Brushing Teeth Aggressively

Brushing teeth aggressively is not the best way to clean them as it can damage gums and tooth enamel. It can also lead to increased sensitivity or even receding gums. Using proper technique and the right toothbrush can prevent these issues from occurring. The American Dental Association recommends soft-bristled toothbrushes to prevent gum irritation. Using gentle pressure and brushing teeth in small circular motions can help remove plaque buildup. If needed, fluoride toothpaste can also help strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay.

• Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding (or bruxism) can lead not only to painful teeth and jaw problems but to headaches and other problems as well. In fact, some experts believe that chronic teeth grinding can lead to the development of TMJ disorder. This disorder can cause pain in the jaw and the ears and even facial pain. In particularly severe cases, it can even cause lockjaw. Occasional teeth clenching is quite common and sometimes happens without you even being aware you’re doing it. If you’re chronically grinding your teeth, it can cause wear of enamel, which can lead to chips and cracks in your teeth as well as sensitivity. It may also lead to loose teeth over time. The condition can also cause problems with your temporomandibular joint, which may lead to pain and discomfort during everyday activities like chewing and speaking. If your teeth are hurting from this condition, you should talk to your dentist about treatment and prevention. Also, ask your dentist about a mouth guard. This is a protective device worn while you sleep. It will prevent you from grinding your teeth by cushioning the point of contact between your upper and lower teeth.

• Using Teeth As Tools

You should never use your pearly whites to pry open packages or cut a rope. Apart from damaging your enamel, you could also chip your teeth and injure your gums. So, instead of using teeth, wear appropriate tools instead. 

• Not Visiting the Dentist Regularly

Plaque, which is made up of bacteria and food particles that stick to teeth and gum lines, can cause gum disease and cavities if not removed in time. However, if we visit the dentist twice a year for cleaning and examination, our oral health can be maintained in its best condition.

To learn more about good oral care habits, call us at (719) 434-6630 or visit us at 320 E Fontanero St #302, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.