Bad Habits That Can Damage Oral Health

Good dental hygiene habits are a necessity for maintaining healthy teeth and gums and teeth. There are many bad habits that can cause damage to the teeth and the mouth. Listed below are some common dental habits that can result in dental damage.

• Teeth grinding

Grinding your teeth while you sleep can have serious effects on your oral health. We don’t think about it when we grind our teeth during the day, but nighttime bruxism can literally wear down enamel. Over time, tooth damage can become severe and require a dental crown or restoration to cap the tooth. Further complications include jaw pain and headaches from TMJ disorder. If you wake up with sore jaws or a headache, you should talk to your dentist about a night guard to protect your teeth.

• Chewing ice

Ice has a surprising number of oral health consequences, including causing tooth sensitivity. The cold temperature of the ice cubes can also cause your sensitive nerves to overreact and trigger pain. Ice can also damage fillings and other restorations. The constant motion from crunching hard items could loosen or crack existing dental work.

• Nail biting

Teeth aren’t meant to be used as tools. Putting them to work to open packages or rip the tape off a box can crack a tooth or chip the enamel. Biting your nails can also damage your teeth by causing chips and fractures. Although you might not be conscious of it, that habit puts a lot of stress on your teeth and jaw muscles. Over time, this can lead to pain and discomfort in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as well as persistent headaches. If you bite your nails out of stress, consider other ways to relieve stress, like meditation, exercise, or even taking a walk outside. Your dentist can also talk with you about relaxation techniques that can help you stop biting your nails.

• Using teeth as tools

Teeth should never be used as tools for anything other than biting food. Putting them through the stress caused by using them for opening bags or cutting tape can lead to chips and cracks in your teeth. These chips and cracks can be difficult to fix and can even lead to tooth loss.

• Aggressive brushing

Aggressive brushing can damage tooth enamel. Brushing back and forth or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can scratch delicate gum tissue and cause receding gums. Avoid brushing your teeth too hard, and use a toothbrush with a soft head. You should also visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams. Your dentist may recommend a change in your oral hygiene routine to protect your gums from damage.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kossi, DDS, at Smile City Dental in Santa Clarita, California, to learn more tips for maintaining a healthy smile. You can reach us by calling (661) 252-8888, scheduling an appointment online, or visiting us at 19366 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91351 now.