Bad Habits That Can Affect Our Oral Health

Maintaining good oral health is important for your overall health and well-being. Dental problems are painful and can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. Here are a few habits that can harm our oral health.

• Brushing too hard

While brushing your teeth twice a day is recommended by many dentists and professional organizations, brushing too hard can actually damage your teeth and gums.

When you brush your teeth with too much pressure, it can lead to gum recession and even tooth loss. Instead of pressing down hard on your toothbrush, hold it at a 45-degree angle and gently scrub the surface of each tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

• Nail biting

In addition to brushing too hard, another bad habit that can affect your dental health is biting your nails. It may seem like a harmless habit, but it can cause damage to your teeth and mouth. Nail biting can lead to cracked teeth, infections in the gum tissue, and broken restorations like fillings and crowns.

• Chewing ice

A bad habit that many people do on an almost daily basis is chewing ice. This tends to happen more during the winter season when people experience cold and flu seasons and may find relief by chewing an ice cube. But when it comes to your teeth, you shouldn’t rely on this cold substance for cleaning your teeth and gums. When you chew on ice or other hard substances, such as pens and pencils, you are putting a lot of pressure on your gum tissue. The soft tissue can be sensitive to pressure and can bruise or even bleed if chewed for long enough. If you notice any swelling around your gums or tooth pain after chewing on something tough, you should stop immediately and seek medical attention if the symptoms don’t go away after a few days.

• Clenching or grinding your teeth

When you grind your teeth together, it can cause tooth damage over time. Over time this can cause problems with your bite. Luckily there are things that you can do to help avoid bruxism. Try to use a nightguard or a mouthguard when you sleep. This will help prevent teeth from grinding together at night. You can also talk to your dentist about other treatment options if you are having issues with your teeth clenching or grinding in your sleep.

• Using tobacco

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your oral health, as it increases the risk of oral cancer, gum disease, and many other issues. Additionally, smoking can lead to dry mouth, which can cause cavities because saliva helps wash away food particles and keep your mouth clean. A dry mouth may also cause bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. For help quitting tobacco use, talk to your doctor about different resources and support available.

• Using your teeth as tools

Did you know that using your teeth as a tool is actually one of the most common bad habits? It may seem like normal behavior, but it’s actually very damaging to your teeth and gums. Many people use their teeth to open packages or tear things open. These activities are not recommended because they can chip your teeth, cause gum recession, and even wear down your teeth. 

To learn more about our good oral care practices, visit Amin Taba D.D.S. PLLC at 5701 Northeast Bothell Way Suite 3, Kenmore, WA 98028. Call us at (425) 486-9233 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.