Good oral hygiene is the key to healthy teeth and gums and a healthy smile. Our teeth should be cared for properly, or else they may become weak and unhealthy. Listed below are common bad habits that can cause damage to our oral health.

• Nail Biting

Nail-biting can lead to chipped or broken teeth or fillings and can also cause problems with your jaw joint, including a painful condition called TMJ disorder. Using nail polish to cover your nails may help curb the urge to bite them. If you already suffer from damaged teeth as a result of nail-biting, talk to your dentist about options to repair the damage.

• Smoking

When you don’t quit smoking, you’re at risk of developing oral cancer and gum disease. Over time, the chemicals in cigarettes can damage the gums and the enamel of your teeth. The nicotine in the cigarette can eventually lead to the shrinking of the bones which support the teeth, causing the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.

Smoking can also contribute to tooth discoloration when tobacco causes the buildup of plaque on the teeth and certain pigments to attach to the teeth. In addition, it can cause bad breath and yellowing of teeth due to the tar and other chemicals in cigarette smoke.

If you smoke and want to quit, schedule an appointment to see your dentist for advice and find other ways to manage your withdrawal symptoms, such as eating healthy, exercising, or drinking lots of water to prevent dry mouth.

• Brushing Teeth Aggressively

Some people brush their teeth too aggressively, and this can negatively affect their oral health. When you brush your teeth too hard, you can damage the gums and even wear away the tooth enamel over time. This can cause sensitive teeth and tooth decay. It can also make existing tooth problems worse. If you experience a tooth injury, do not brush vigorously. Instead, contact your dentist immediately. If you have an existing cavity or filling, avoid applying too much pressure when brushing your teeth. Be gentle with your teeth, and you will be rewarded with a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

• Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is a condition where you grind or clench your teeth unconsciously in your sleep. It’s a bad habit that can damage your oral and overall health in many ways. Your dentist can help you stop grinding your teeth with an oral appliance like night guards. These retainer-like devices fit over your teeth and keep the jaw in place so you can’t clench it tightly together. This protects your teeth from excessive wear and prevents painful jaw pain caused by TMJ disorder.

• Using Teeth As Tools

Biting fingernails or chewing on pens and pencils can be irritating to the soft tissues of your mouth and can chip your teeth. If a tooth is chipped or broken, it can expose the sensitive layers of the tooth to bacteria in the mouth, possibly leading to infection and requiring emergency dental treatment. Therefore, it’s best to save hand tools for when you need them rather than using them often throughout the day.

• Not Visiting the Dentist Regularly

When you skip regular visits with your dentist, you’re putting your oral health at risk. Preventive care appointments allow your dental hygienist to spot any issues in their earliest stages when they’re easiest to treat. It’s also one of the best ways to catch any hidden signs of issues like oral cancer or periodontal disease early on.

Call Alta View Dental in Sandy, UT, 84094, at (801) 572-4261 to know more about our dental treatments. Our team will work with you and create a customized plan to meet your individual needs.