Bad Habits that are Ruining Your Teeth and Gums

Taking care of your teeth will help them remain healthy for a lifetime. However, there are certain habits that can damage our oral health. Listed below are a few bad habits that can damage our oral health.

• Not brushing or flossing regularly

Not brushing or flossing regularly can cause plaque to build up, which can lead to gum disease. Gum disease is one of the most common causes of adult tooth loss in America. According to the CDC, more than 47.2 million Americans have some form of the disease. That number is even higher among older Americans, with more than 70% of people over the age of 65 having some form of the disease.

• Not going to the dentist

Not taking the time to go to the dentist can have serious consequences for your oral health. A routine checkup allows the dentist to examine the patient’s teeth and gums for signs of decay or other possible issues. Regular cleanings will remove tartar from the teeth and help prevent the development of gum disease. Going to the dentist will help keep you healthy and save you money in the long run.

Visiting your dentist regularly should be a priority for everyone. Everyone should get a routine dental cleaning and checkup twice a year. Most people should see a dentist every six to twelve months. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, then you may need to visit more often. Avoiding the dentist can lead to painful and expensive procedures down the road. It’s better to go to your regular checkup than avoid the dentist altogether.

• Teeth grinding

Grinding your teeth while you sleep can be so subtle that you might not even notice that you’re doing it! However, this habit is incredibly damaging to both your oral and overall health. If you wake up with a sore jaw or a headache, you may be grinding your teeth at night. Luckily, you can protect your mouth from this harmful habit by getting a mouthguard from your dentist. Mouthguards are custom-fitted to your teeth, ensuring that they fit perfectly and don’t fall out while you’re sleeping. This means that when you wake up in the morning, you won’t have to worry about any pain caused by nighttime bruxism.

• Using teeth as tools

Teeth are made for chewing food and not opening packages. Every time you use your teeth to open a bottle or package, you risk damaging them and chipping a tooth. The same holds true for tearing open packages with your teeth. Chips in front teeth can disfigure your smile, while chipped molars can make it difficult to chew properly. Avoid this habit at all costs!

• Nail biting

If you habitually bite your nails, you’re putting yourself at risk for cavities and periodontal disease. Nail biting can lead to cracked teeth and expose the dentin layer of the tooth. In the long term, this can cause increased sensitivity and even tooth loss. If you notice that your gums are often sore and bleed when you brush your teeth after you’ve been nibbling on your fingers, it’s a sign that it’s time to break the habit. Try breaking your bad habit by diverting your attention to something else when you’re bored.

To learn more, call us at (833) 394-7366 and book an appointment with our dentist at 287 E. Hunt Hwy. #101, San Tan Valley, AZ 85143.