Table of Contents
As humans, we constantly develop habits throughout our lives, but unfortunately, not all of them are beneficial. Bad habits, particularly those related to oral health, are common and often form unintentionally. While many of these habits may seem harmless, they can lead to serious problems, pain, and costly dental repairs.
At Lockwood Family Dental, we believe that being proactive is the key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums for life. Practicing excellent oral hygiene, attending regular dental visits, and avoiding harmful habits can help ensure your smile stays strong.
Bad Habits
Biting Your Nails
Nail-biting is more than just a bad habit—it can have serious consequences for your oral health. Constantly biting your nails introduces harmful bacteria into your mouth and can lead to cracked, chipped, or even fractured teeth. Over time, it may also cause jaw discomfort or pain.
Instead: Apply bitter-tasting nail polish and work on managing your stress levels. Reducing anxiety can help break the nail-biting habit and keep your teeth safe.
Brushing Too Harshly
Brushing your teeth with aggressive strokes doesn’t mean cleaner teeth. It can do more harm than good. Brushing too harshly wears down enamel and irritates the gums, which can lead to gum recession and expose the sensitive dentin layer.
Instead: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently for two minutes, twice a day. This will effectively clean your teeth without damaging them or your gums.
Clenching and Grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is often related to stress and can occur during the day or while you sleep. Constant grinding can wear down enamel, leaving teeth vulnerable to decay. It can also cause jaw pain, headaches, and chipped or fractured teeth.
Instead: Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress, and consider wearing a custom night guard while you sleep to protect your teeth from damage.
Chronic Snacking
Constant snacking, especially on sugary or carbohydrate-filled foods, can wreak havoc on your oral health. Snacking frequently exposes your teeth to sugar, which feeds harmful oral bacteria. This can result in plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.
Instead: Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help wash away food particles and bacteria. Water also helps prevent dry mouth, which can lead to a healthier smile.
Frequent Alcohol Consumption
Regular alcohol consumption increases plaque levels in your mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and even tooth loss. Alcohol also reduces saliva production, which can cause dry mouth and further harm your oral health.
Instead: Limit your alcohol intake and drink plenty of water in between to stay hydrated and protect your teeth.
Chewing on Ice
While chewing on ice might seem harmless, it can cause serious damage to your teeth. The hardness of ice can crack or chip your teeth and even damage dental fillings.
Instead: Try drinking beverages through a straw to avoid the temptation of chewing on ice. You can also cool your drinks in the fridge instead of adding ice cubes.
Smoking or Using Tobacco
Tobacco use is one of the worst habits for your teeth and gums. Smoking not only stains your teeth but also causes bad breath, gum disease, loss of jawbone density, and increases the risk of oral cancer.
Instead: Seek out a smoking cessation program that works for you. Quitting tobacco will improve your overall health and dramatically benefit your smile.
Using Your Teeth as Tools
Teeth are meant for chewing food, not for tearing tags, opening packages, or holding objects like pens. Using your teeth as tools can lead to chips, cracks, and even fractures.
Instead: Use scissors or other proper tools for tasks that require cutting or tearing, and save your teeth for chewing food.
By breaking these bad habits, you can protect your teeth and gums and enjoy a healthier, longer-lasting smile. At Lockwood Family Dental, we encourage you to take care of your smile so it can take care of you! Practicing good oral habits today will save you from painful dental issues and costly repairs in the future.
