Good oral health is essential for your overall health. Poor oral health can result in many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and problems with your immune system. Here are some poor oral health habits to be avoided to maintain good oral health. 

• Smoking

Do you know smoking is bad for your oral health? Smokers are much more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers. And smokers are also more likely to have gum disease. That’s because tobacco use can lead to oral tissue inflammation, dry mouth, bad breath, tooth staining, and even tooth loss. If you’re a smoker, talk to your dentist about how to quit today! Your mouth will thank you later.

• Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Do you ever clench or grind your teeth unconsciously when you’re asleep? This is technically called bruxism, and it’s not uncommon. However, many people don’t realize they have the habit. If you are often waking up to a sore jaw every morning, it’s possible you’re grinding your teeth in your sleep. Over time, this can wear down the surface of your tooth enamel and increase the chances of breaking a tooth. It can also lead to pain in the jaw joint, earaches, headaches, and more. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your dentist. He or she may suggest you wear an anti-grinding night guard to protect your teeth from excessive wear while you sleep.

• Chewing Ice

Ice is delicious, and it keeps your drinks cool, but it can also be quite damaging to your teeth. When you chew ice, it can crack or even break your teeth. It can also damage fillings and other restorative treatments. The longer the ice sits in between your teeth, the longer it has to do damage to your teeth. The cold temperature can also cause issues with sensitive gum tissue and increase the risk of tooth decay. In addition to causing damage to your teeth, chewing ice can chip away at the protective layer of enamel that protects them. If you’re worried that you may be damaging your pearly whites by chewing on ice, talk to your dentist about what you can do to keep your teeth healthy! They may recommend changing your habits, so you can enjoy all the foods you love without putting your oral health at risk.

• Nail Biting

Nail biting is a common bad habit that can potentially cause cracks in teeth and infection in the gums. Some people bite their nails because they’re nervous or stressed. Others do it out of boredom. If you’ve noticed yourself doing it a lot and can’t figure out the reason, get to the bottom of it by asking your dentist during your next checkup. They can recommend ways to curb the behavior and help you break the habit for good. Your dentist can also examine your teeth for any damage that may have been done from nail biting in the past.

• Using Teeth As Tools

Many people use teeth as tools for opening packages or tearing off price tags. Unfortunately, using your teeth for these purposes can cause chips and cracks that leave your tooth vulnerable to infection and further damage. Using your teeth as tools can also cause TMD—a condition characterized by chronic facial pain, headaches, and more. If you suspect you may be suffering from TMD, talk to your dentist. They can help diagnose the issue and offer treatment recommendations so you can start feeling better fast.

• Aggressive Brushing

If you brush your teeth aggressively, you may be doing more harm than good. The enamel of your teeth is the hardest substance in your body — but it’s still vulnerable to damage from a hard toothbrush or from brushing too hard. So, it is important to brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle strokes. If you notice that your teeth are feeling more sensitive lately, you may want to try a softer grip or use an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor in place.

To learn more about our dental services or to schedule an appointment, call us at (770) 450-0415, and we will be happy to help.