Most people understand the basics of keeping their teeth healthy such as brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings twice a year. But did you know there are some common habits we often adopt over a lifetime that can have a negative impact on oral health? It’s true. Certain lifestyle choices and practices could be harming the health of your teeth, gums, and more.
As is often the case with habits, it’s much easier to avoid starting a new one than it is to stop performing one that you’ve become accustomed to. This article will look at some of the daily habits that can affect your dental health so you can avoid bad dental habits down the line.
Food is an unavoidable part of life — after all, you must eat to survive! But did you know that what you eat, when you eat it, and how you eat all factor into the health of your teeth? Here are some of the worst dental habits associated with food and eating:
It might seem harmless, but chewing ice can be devastating to the health of your smile. Repeated ice chewing can cause microfractures in teeth that, over time, can result in tooth breakage. A fractured tooth may need root canal therapy or even extraction if the fracture is severe enough. Ice chewing can also cause your teeth to become sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks and promote gum infections.
The combination of high amounts of sugar with the acidity of soda and other fizzy drinks packs a powerful wallop when it comes to tooth health. That acid/sugar combination can erode tooth enamel, leading to decay and sensitivity. Opt for sugar-free or non-carbonated drinks or stick with water for best results. Can’t give up that soda? Swish with water after drinking sodas and wait at least 30 minutes after exposure to acidic drinks to brush your teeth to avoid breaking down tooth enamel even further.
Everyone knows that sugary candies are bad for teeth. But gummy snacks like jellybeans, gummy worms, and even dried fruits are even worse. That is because these sugary treats have sticking power — allowing them to get stuck into tooth crevices and areas between teeth where saliva can't remove them — and sometimes even regular brushing.
Potato chips, crackers, and bread are all delicious, but they can be a problem for your teeth. Starches break down into sugar in your mouth and soften, sticking to areas between the teeth and providing the perfect environment for dental plaque to form.
There are many other bad dental habits that can promote tooth decay and damage mouth structures, even leading to other health problems down the line.
Teeth grinding (or bruxism) affects millions of people around the world. When it occurs on a regular basis, teeth grinding can cause damage to your teeth, jaws, and general health. Bruxism usually occurs at night and can be inherited, but it can be the result of stress, sleep apnea, or an abnormal bite.
Talking to your dentist is the first step in halting this habit. Once they've diagnosed you, your dentist can fit you with a nightguard to protect your teeth. Other ways to reduce tooth grinding are to avoid caffeinated foods and alcohol and practice relaxation techniques.
Teeth are meant for two things — smiling and eating food. Yet many people use their teeth as tools, prying open bottle tops, tearing bags of snacks open, and holding bobby pins open. Over time, these dental habits can cause fractures and chips, and even gum injuries.
A lot of people have the nervous habit of chewing on pencils or other objects while they study, conduct meetings, or even watch television. Not only does this dental habit put pressure on teeth, which can cause chips or fractures, but it can also contribute to the habit of tooth grinding. If you find yourself chewing on pencils or other objects, substitute sugarless gum. Sugarless gum can actually help protect tooth health by stimulating the production of saliva, which helps clean your teeth.
You probably already know that smoking is bad for your health. But did you know smoking is particularly bad for your dental health? That is because tobacco dries out the mouth tissues, reducing saliva production and increasing the amount of plaque that builds up on teeth. This plaque can lead to gum disease, which is exacerbated in smokers due to the lower levels of oxygen in their blood that reduces the gums’ ability to heal from infection.
Finally, smoking is one of the leading causes of oral cancer, a devastating illness that affects thousands of people each year.
The best way to keep your mouth and gums healthy is to reduce the number of bad dental habits and work closely with a trusted dental professional to keep on top of your dental health. At Dentist of Gardena, our Medi-Cal dentists are ready to assess your oral health and work with you to promote good dental habits — and hygiene — that will keep you smiling for years to come.
We provide a full spectrum of dental care to our patients in Gardena — from regular cleanings and checkups to cosmetic dentistry and even orthodontics. Importantly, we work with patients of all ages to help promote good oral health habits from an early age and even correct damage from bad habits you may have had before you met us!
Ready to change your oral health for the better? Contact us at 424) 321-7470 and discover the many ways you can take control of the health of your smile!