Oral Hygiene Basics: Bad Habits to Avoid

It is important to take good care of our oral health. A routine dental checkup, a healthy diet, and good oral habits are important to keep our teeth healthy. On the other hand, not taking care of our oral health can lead to dental issues such as cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Here are a few bad habits that can damage one's oral health.

Nail Biting

Most children go through a phase when they bite their nails or suck their thumbs. However, this habit can persist into adulthood. Nail biting can be a sign of anxiety in adults. It can also occur as a result of an oral problem, such as malocclusion, misaligned teeth, and jaw pain. If you notice that your child bites his or her nails frequently, schedule an appointment with our office. We will examine their teeth to determine if there is a possible reason for why he or she is doing this. If your child is stressed about something, we can also offer advice on how to manage stress and anxiety in a healthy way without causing harm to your oral or overall health.

Nail biting can lead to several oral health problems. These include tooth damage, mouth sores, bad breath, and inflammation of the gums. It can also affect your teeth's alignment. In addition, it can result in severe pain in your temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. This pain can cause severe headaches. There is also a risk of contracting infectious organisms from your mouth if you bite your nails. This is because when you bite your nails, you transfer bacteria into your mouth. This can lead to infections in the mouth, which may lead to other complications. For example, if you are already suffering from a weakened immune system due to another condition, these infections can worsen your condition. If you bite your fingernails, try quitting it at the earliest.

Smoking

Cigarettes contain nicotine and tar, which have a caustic effect on our oral tissues. Smokers have a higher risk of developing oral cancer, gum disease, and stained teeth. Not only this, but tobacco stains the teeth and gives a yellow tinge to your smile. Active smokers are nearly three times as likely to suffer from periodontitis as compared to non-smokers. This disease is caused by bacterial plaque buildup that irritates the gums and causes them to pull away from the teeth. Eventually, the bone that holds your teeth in place can be damaged. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are necessary to diagnose and treat this disease in its early stages to help prevent tooth loss.

In addition to being harmful to your teeth and gums, cigarettes can also harm your body as a whole. Quitting smoking can improve your overall health and quality of life. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs and products that can help you kick the habit for good.

Brushing Teeth Aggressively

When we brush or floss our teeth too harshly, this can damage the enamel and gum tissues. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, receding gums, gum disease, cavities, and other oral health problems. Gum recession and gum loss can occur from aggressive brushing, making the beautiful smile less visible.

If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold foods, you may be brushing too hard. Your dentist may recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Some people may also benefit from an electric toothbrush.

Teeth Grinding

It could be a bad habit, or it could stem from anxiety – either way, habitual teeth grinding can erode your enamel and cause jaw pain over time. Your dentist can help you protect your teeth from damage with mouthguards and nightguards. If you're experiencing jaw pain or headaches on a regular basis, you should be evaluated for bruxism. It's possible that stress reduction techniques or medication could help to reduce symptoms!

Not Visiting A Dentist Regularly

If you have not visited your dentist in a long time, it is time to schedule an appointment with us. Your oral health may have deteriorated without you even noticing. We will examine all your teeth as well as your gums and tongue, and we will also perform a complete oral cancer screening. We will also discuss with you your oral health habits that may have contributed to the deterioration of your dental health so you can better prevent further problems in the future. Finally, we will clean your teeth to remove any signs of plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. This will remove harmful bacteria that may have accumulated on your teeth and promote good oral hygiene.

Ardent Dental Arts, located in Englishtown, NJ, is equipped with expert dentists and the latest amenities that enable the best dental care facilities for patients. Call us at (732) 627-4108 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn more about dental treatments provided by our dentist.