4 Habits That Harm Your Teeth

Good oral health requires the daily practice of good oral care habits. This includes brushing, flossing, regular dental visits, etc. Even if you practice good oral hygiene, certain habits can affect your oral health badly. Here are some bad habits that can ruin your oral health.

• Not Brushing And Flossing Your Teeth Correctly

Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on your teeth and can lead to serious oral health issues, such as cavities and gum disease. To eliminate them, you should follow the right technique of brushing and flossing. When you don’t brush your teeth correctly, plaque can harden into tartar and cause tooth decay. This can lead to tooth decay and cavities, which will need root canals, fillings, crowns, and other more serious dental procedures to address them. 

It’s important to brush at least twice a day for about two minutes each time using fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss at least once. When you brush, gently scrub the surfaces of the teeth, including the fronts, backs, and tops of the molars. Clean in between teeth by flossing daily. 

• Chewing Tobacco

If you’re a regular user of chewing tobacco, you’re putting your oral health at serious risk! Not only are you damaging your teeth by constant exposure to irritation and the possible development of oral cancer, but chewing tobacco also stains your teeth. In fact, it’s been proven that your risk for cavities and gum disease increases by 50% after just one year of using chewing tobacco. That’s a pretty scary statistic! Plus, if you continue using chewing tobacco for even just three years or more, you’re looking at dealing with a dislodged tooth due to bone loss from periodontal destruction. So, why put yourself at risk? Quit chewing tobacco now! Your mouth will thank you for it.

• Using Your Teeth as Tools

Did you know that using your pearly whites to open bottles, tear packages, or anything else besides eating food can quickly wear down tooth enamel? The hard materials that make up the outer layer of your teeth are incredibly strong, but they are not invincible. If you repeatedly expose your teeth to things that are harder than they are, the protective layers of your teeth remain vulnerable and susceptible to damage.

Additionally, using your teeth as tools can chip or crack them. While small chips may not have any long-term consequences, large cracks can lead to tooth decay and other serious oral problems. If you have a habit of using your teeth for anything other than eating food, talk to your dentist about ways to break the habit.

• Nail Biting

Nail biting is a common habit that causes a lot of damage to your mouth and teeth. Not only is nail biting unsightly, but it can also lead to more serious issues like jaw problems and even mouth cancer. People who bite their nails are also more susceptible to gum disease. If you suffer from a serious case of nail biting, you should try to break this habit on your own.

If you are looking for an experienced dentist that can help guide you on oral hygiene, schedule a consultation with our dentists at Eldridge Dental in Houston, Texas. You can reach us at (713) 983-0099 or visit our office at 6370 N. Eldridge Pkwy, Suite B, Houston, TX 77041.