Practicing bad oral habits can lead to several dental problems, such as tooth decay, cavities, and so on. It is important to develop good habits and maintain good oral health. Here are some habits that can harm oral health and needs to stop at the earliest. 

• Nail Biting

Nail biting is a habit that is difficult to stop. The compulsion can be embarrassing and frustrating, but if it’s causing damage to your teeth, it’s important to break the habit. Enamel erodes each time we bite our nails or grind our teeth. This can wear down the protective layer of enamel on our teeth and expose the underlying dentine. Dentin is softer than enamel, which can make our teeth more susceptible to decay and make any existing dental work more vulnerable to damage.

Some of our patients are surprised to learn that their tooth sensitivity is linked to their nail-biting habits. One way to break the habit is to wear gloves when your hands are idle to avoid the urge to chew your nails throughout the day. If you want help to quit the habit, contact our dentist today. 

• Smoking

Another bad habit that’s difficult to break is smoking. When you smoke, you expose your oral health to numerous risks. The habit can result in bad breath, yellowing or browning of teeth, and an increased risk of tooth loss. In addition, the habit can dry out the mouth, causing uncomfortable dry mouth symptoms. Plus, smoking has been linked to an increased risk of oral cancer, which can cause serious injuries to the face and mouth. The best way to protect your oral health from the effects of smoking is to quit. If you’re a smoker, call your dental office to schedule a tooth cleaning appointment and discuss ways you can kick the habit for good!

• Not Visiting Your Dentist Regularly

If you aren’t seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, you’re putting your oral health at risk. Regular appointments allow dentists to catch and treat minor issues before they become more serious and painful problems. In addition, it’s much easier to prevent oral health problems with regular visits than to fix them once they’ve taken hold. That’s why it’s so important to maintain a regular schedule of bi-annual visits to the dentist’s office. During your visit, you’ll receive a professional cleaning and exam from a licensed professional who will carefully examine your mouth for any areas of concern.

• Brushing The Teeth Too Hard

While most of us know that we should brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time, we tend to ignore these instructions when it comes to our oral health. Brushing your teeth too hard can cause a lot of damage. The best way to clean your teeth is gentle with a soft-bristled toothbrush and your fluoride toothpaste. A few good techniques include positioning the bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and applying light pressure as you move along the surface of the teeth. This motion works to clean the teeth and gums without wearing them down. You should also avoid scrubbing back and forth across the top of the tooth, as this can erode enamel and lead to decay. If you’ve noticed that you are brushing too aggressively or experiencing sensitivity when you brush your teeth, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist and figure out the ideal way to brush.

• Teeth Grinding

One bad habit that can lead to damaged teeth is bruxism or teeth grinding. Bruxism is when you grind your teeth while sleeping. Many people may not even realize they grind their teeth at night. However, the teeth can become worn and may be more sensitive. Tooth enamel can be worn thin, exposing the dentin underneath. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and even cavities. If you suspect you are grinding your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about it. He or she may recommend a custom mouth guard to prevent you from grinding your teeth while you sleep.

To learn more tips to take care of your teeth and oral health, call Tijuana Dental Studio at (619) 955-6901 (USA) or (664) 685-6460 (Mexico). You can also visit us at Calle Quinta, Zona Centro, Tijuana Baja California 7974.