Unhealthy Habits That Can Put Your Oral Health At Risk

Our oral health is closely linked to our overall health. If one has poor oral health, it can affect one's overall health as well. There are certain bad oral habits that can cause damage to our oral health. Listed below are some of them.

• Nail Biting

Nail biting is a habit that can cause problems with your teeth and jaw. Every time you bite your nails, it can lead to damaged teeth and chipped enamels. It can also wear down tooth enamel and damage the gums. If you've bitten your fingernails for years, you may have worn down some of the upper teeth, making them shorter in appearance. The damage may also cause the teeth to overlap each other. When a tooth becomes short or damaged in this way, it's more difficult to clean properly. This can lead to decay, which may require fillings or other similar treatments to restore the health of the gum.

• Smoking

People who smoke are more likely to have gum disease and oral cancer. They also have a higher chance of losing their teeth than those who don't smoke. Tobacco use can stain your teeth and make them look darker or yellowed. It also increases your risk of tooth decay. Ask your dentist to help you quit if you are a smoker. There are many resources out there for you to do this. Don't feel like you have to do it alone! Your dentist will be able to help you with this and will provide the support you need to get started on this journey. Visit the dentist annually for checkups to help reduce your risk for oral health issues. This will also help you catch any problems early before they turn into bigger problems down the road.

• Brushing Teeth Aggressively

Most of us aren't even aware that we're brushing our teeth too aggressively. This means that we may end up causing damage to our enamel and gums without even realizing it! Here are some signs to watch out for that may indicate you're brushing your teeth too hard:

• Your gums bleed when you brush them. This is a sign of gum recession, which can also be caused by gum disease.
• You notice sensitivity in your teeth when eating hot or cold foods or beverages. This may be a sign of receding gums or a cavity.
• You have worn-down tooth enamel. If your teeth appear more yellow than white, this may be because you've brushed them so hard over the years that it stripped the enamel from your teeth.
• You've developed abrasions along the edges of your teeth. These are the areas where the enamel comes off of your teeth as a result of aggressive brushing.

What should you do if you realize that you are brushing your teeth too aggressively? You should switch to a soft-bristle toothbrush immediately. Then, watch in the mirror as you brush your teeth and see if you recognize any of these signs of over-brushing.

• Teeth Grinding

People who grind their teeth may wake up with headaches or a dull headache during their day. A dull ache in the jaw may be their constant companion. This pain can be accompanied by tenderness and soreness. If left untreated, this may turn into TMJ disorder. Bruxism can also result in broken or cracked teeth, toothaches, tooth loss, and receding gums. If you have the habit of teeth grinding, visit your dentist at the earliest. Preventative measures like night guard can help prevent damage to the teeth as a result of teeth grinding. 

• Using Teeth As Tools

When you attempt to open a bottle or rip a piece of tape with your teeth, you are putting yourself at risk of chipping a tooth or even damaging your jaw permanently. It is also recommended not to use your teeth as a tool because you could slice your gums and give them an infection. You could also chip a tooth or cause trauma to your jaw. So, it is best to always purchase the appropriate tool for the job or use your hand instead.

Please reach out to iTooth Family Dentistry in Springfield, MO, to have a consultation with our dentists, Dr. Robbins or Dr. Fincel. Call Dentist in Springfield, MO, at (417) 883-8515 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.