Bad Dental Habits That You Should Avoid
Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney has helped countless patients in and around the greater Charlotte area have healthy and beautiful smiles. This is thanks to our approach to cosmetic and restorative dentistry to improve dental health and wellness.
Good dental care starts at home, however. With that in mind, let's look at some bad habits that have a negative impact on your dental health. Try to avoid these bad habits to keep your smile healthy for the years ahead.
Using Tobacco Products
Cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco are horrible for your lungs and your heart, and they can also have a negative impact on your dental health. Use of tobacco products increases your risk of tooth decay, dental erosion, and gum disease, so it's a good idea to avoid them altogether.
Chewing on Inedible Objects
A number of people bite their fingernails when they're nervous. The same goes for chewing on pen caps, and nibbling on drinking straws. These actions, as benign as they same, can actually do damage to your tooth structure over time.
Using Your Teeth to Open Packages
We've all done it at least once or twice. The potato chips just won't open, or the plastic wrap on a DVD is just not peeling off so easy. Unfortunately, using your teeth to open a package can cause tooth damage. Best to use scissors than put your teeth at risk.
Constant Snacking on Junk Food
The oral bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease loves to feed on sugars and carbs. If your diet is unhealthy and heavy on junk food and sweets, that means tooth decay is more likely. Think of healthy snacking options instead when possible.
Drinking Too Much Soda
Soda can have a damaging effect on your teeth, increasing the chances of tooth decay as well as acidic enamel erosion. Try to limit your intake of soda through the week and stay hydrated by drinking water instead.
Sucking Your Thumb
When toddlers suck their thumbs, this can result in changes to the shape of the hard palate and issues with the alignment and position of the front teeth that can require orthodontic care later in life to fix. A family dentist can suggest ways to help prevent your child from sucking his or her thumb.
Not Brushing Your Teeth Enough
People often go a morning or night or even an entire day without brushing their teeth, which is just bad for overall dental. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, though ideally you'll want to consider brushing after every meal.
Not Flossing Your Teeth Enough
Brushing alone is not enough to reach the food particles between your teeth, which is why flossing is crucial. And yet so many people neglect to floss. Flossing once a night is good, but you should consider flossing after every meal.
Brushing and Flossing Incorrectly
Many people brush and floss too aggressively, which causes damage to the gum tissue and the teeth. Be sure to brush and floss gently to protect the structures of your mouth. Using a toothbrush with a small head is most ideal.
Not Visiting Your Dentist Regularly
Sometimes people go years without seeing their dentist, which allows minor problems to become more serious. Be sure to visit your dentist once every six months so you can have your teeth and gums checked for problems.
Find Out How to Improve Your Dental Health
For more information about how you can have the healthiest and most beautiful smile possible, it's important that you contact our skilled dental care team today. The entire team at Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney looks forward to your visit and helping you have the healthiest and most beautiful smile possible.
