Bad Habits That Can Damage Your Oral Health

Did you know by avoiding certain bad oral habits, we can keep our teeth healthy for a long time? These habits can also damage our smile, which affects our confidence. Listed below are some of the most common habits that can damage our oral health.

• Not brushing or flossing regularly

Brushing and flossing every day is one of the most important habits for maintaining optimal oral health. Unfortunately, many people do not brush and floss regularly. Skipping even one day of oral hygiene can compromise your oral health by causing plaque to form on your teeth. Plaque then hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by your dental hygienist at your regular check-up at All Smile Dental.

If left untreated, plaque can lead to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease that begins with red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushed. Eventually, untreated gingivitis can result in periodontitis, which is marked by gums pulling away from the teeth and creating pockets where bacteria can spread and infect the gum tissue. Untreated periodontitis will eventually lead to tooth loss.

Because brushing and flossing help prevent plaque from forming, it is important to incorporate these habits into your oral care routine. As per Dr. A. P. Singh at All Smile Dental, it is best to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Flossing once a day is also necessary to remove food particles that the bristles of your toothbrush can't reach. If you skip flossing, you risk developing cavities between your teeth.

• Teeth grinding

Most adults occasionally grind their teeth and may not even realize they're doing it. It can cause tooth sensitivity, broken teeth, and headaches. It also affects your jaw and neck muscles, causing pain in your jaw and neck when you wake up in the morning. If you wake up with a sore face, this may be the reason why. Your dentist Dr. A. P. Singh at All Smile Dental, can fit you with a mouth guard to wear at night to help prevent damage to your teeth and jaws. This can also give you better sleep because you won't experience the discomfort of grinding your teeth when you're sleeping.

• Using teeth as tools

Using teeth as tools can chip, break, crack, or even completely knock out a tooth. The habit can also damage the enamel and the gums, thus causing severe oral problems. Use scissors to cut things!

If you chew on ice, you can cause tooth fractures and serious soft tissue injury. This bad habit also causes notches at the gum line that opens up the door for bacteria to enter and cause an infection. (Enamel does not grow back once it has been damaged, so it is important to avoid this habit at all costs to prevent further damage to your teeth). Always use caution when you are chewing something hard, like ice or a popcorn kernel. Avoid chewing on pens, pencils, fingernails, or other objects that can chip or fracture your teeth.

• Not visiting a dentist regularly

Visiting your dentist Dr. A. P. Singh, at All Smile Dental every six months is crucial in order to maintain a healthy smile. Bacteria build-up on teeth and gums over time and cause cavities and gum disease; getting routine cleanings prevents this from occurring. Many patients also avoid dentists due to bad past experiences. However, it is important to keep these visits to establish trust with your dentist Dr. A. P. Singh, at All Smile Dental, so that he can monitor any changes in your oral health. Additionally, if a patient has a cavity, it will need to be filled to prevent further decay from developing. Leaving the cavity untreated can result in a root canal or tooth extraction down the road.

By practicing good oral hygiene at home in between appointments with your dentist Dr. A. P. Singh, at All Smile Dental, you can prevent the need for more serious treatments in the future.

• Nail biting

Nail biting can cause your teeth to crack and break. Plus, it increases your risk of developing gum disease. If you have a habit of chewing on your nails, try putting a band-aid over each finger for a few days to remind you not to bite your nails. If you can't stop the habit by yourself, seek the help of Dr. A. P. Singh at All Smile Dental, he can give you proper suggestions to quit the habit for good.

• Smoking

Many people who smoke aren't aware of the impact this habit can have on their oral health. In addition to causing bad breath and yellowed teeth, smoking also causes receding gums and tooth loss. People who smoke also have an increased risk of oral cancer and gum disease. In fact, smokers are up to seven times more likely to lose their teeth than nonsmokers.

One way to avoid this is to quit smoking. Quit tobacco in all forms, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, or water pipes. You can also protect your teeth and gums by using an alcohol-free mouthwash after brushing. This rinse works to decrease plaque and prevent gingivitis, even before it starts. It's never too late to stop, so consider talking with your dentist Dr. A. P. Singh, at All Smile Dental, about ways to help you quit for good. If you've already been diagnosed with an oral condition such as gum disease or oral cancer due to tobacco use, you should also speak to your dentist Dr. A. P. Singh, at All Smile Dental, about what treatment options are available to you.

• Brushing teeth aggressively

While there is no hard and fast rule about how long you should brush your teeth, it's best to take as long as necessary to clean the teeth and gums properly. It's normal for dental hygienists to advise their patients to brush for at least two minutes each time they brush their teeth, though this recommendation can vary slightly from person to person.

Many people don't realize that they're actually brushing their teeth too aggressively until it's too late, and they've damaged their gums and enamel. If you are constantly getting bleeding or swollen gums after your normal brushing routine, you might actually be doing it wrong! Instead of rubbing back and forth with force on the toothbrush bristles, try holding your toothbrush at an angle to your gum line and gently brush in circular motions.

It's also a good idea to replace your toothbrush every three to four months to prevent bacteria from building up on it. Don't rush through the recommended time when you brush your teeth, as this can lead to some bad habits that damage your oral health over time.

By following these helpful tips from Dr. A. P. Singh at All Smile Dental, you'll be more likely to keep your teeth clean and healthy for a long time.

Give us a call today to schedule your appointment! We would be happy to answer any of your questions about dentistry procedures in Modesto, CA. You can book an appointment with our dentist in Turlock, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 668-3736 or our dentist in Modesto, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 409-8839.