Bad Dental Habits That You Should Avoid

We all know that brushing and flossing are essential, but what are some bad dental habits that you may not be aware of? Here are the bad dental habits you should avoid to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Make an appointment with Mindarie-Quinns Dental today.

 

Grinding and Clenching Teeth 

Do you grind your teeth at night? Do you clench your jaw during the day? You are not alone if you answered yes to either of these questions. Millions of people grind and clench their teeth, often without realising it.

Bad dental habits like grinding and clenching can cause a variety of problems, including:

• Tooth wear and erosion
• Tooth sensitivity
• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Neck pain

If you are grinding or clenching your teeth, it is important to seek treatment from a dentist. Treatment may include a custom-made mouthguard to protect your teeth from further damage or stress-relieving exercises to help you relax your jaw.

Nail-biting

Biting your nails is a common bad dental habit. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also lead to several dental problems.

Nail-biting is a bad habit that causes a lot of damage to your teeth and gums. It can lead to chipped and broken teeth, infection, and inflammation of the gums. Biting your nails can also lead to tooth decay and even gum disease.

If you are a nail biter, it is essential to break the habit as soon as possible. Most nail biters experience trouble breaking the habit of nail-biting. You can talk to your dentist or doctor for help if there is any trouble. 

Brushing Teeth Too Hard

Although your teeth must be clean, brushing your teeth is necessary, you do not need to brush your teeth too hard. Most people brush too hard, leading to several oral health problems. Brushing too hard can wear down your enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and even tooth decay. It can also cause your gums to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth and making them more susceptible to decay.

If you’re not sure whether you’re brushing your teeth too hard, ask your dentist. They can tell you if you’re using too much pressure and recommend ways to reduce it.

One way to reduce the pressure you use when brushing your teeth is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also try using a circular motion instead of a back-and-forth motion.

If you’re still brushing your teeth too hard even after making these changes, you may need to ask your dentist to recommend an electric toothbrush that will help reduce the amount of pressure you use.

Opening Packages Using Your Teeth

One of the worst oral habits is opening packages with your teeth. Not only is it bad for your teeth, but it can also be dangerous.

One of the main problems with opening packages with your teeth is that you can easily damage your teeth. This is because your teeth are not as strong as your hands, and they can easily be cracked or chipped.

Another problem with opening boxes with your teeth is that you can easily cut your lips or tongue because the edges of the packs can be sharp, and they can easily cut you.

One of the best ways to avoid these problems is to use your hands to open packages. This is because your hands are stronger than your teeth, and they are less likely to damage your teeth or cut your lips or tongue.

Eating Snack Constantly Throughout the Day

Constantly snacking can have adverse effects on your teeth. It can lead to several dental problems.

One of the primary reasons why constantly eating snacks is terrible for your teeth is that it increases your risk of developing cavities. When you snack frequently, you’re putting sugar in your mouth, and sugar is one of the 

 leading causes of cavities. 

Another reason why it’s terrible for your teeth is that it can lead to tooth decay. When you snack constantly, you’re not giving your teeth a chance to rest and recover. This can lead to tooth decay and, eventually, to tooth loss.

If you want to protect your teeth, it’s important to avoid constantly snacking throughout the day. Try to eat three square meals a day and only eat a snack if you’re starving. And when you snack, make sure you’re doing so on healthy foods that are good for your teeth, such as apples, carrots, and celery.

Conclusion

Your oral health is essential. Poor oral health can lead to severe damages and excruciating and regrettable infections. 

Read more of our articles on oral health to learn more about how to maintain a healthy mouth. You can also visit our dental clinic if you want professional advice, physically. 

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