Posted by Wayne Mori on Nov 16 2022, 09:09 PM
Practicing good habits is essential to maintaining good oral health. Habits like Smoking, teeth grinding, chewing ice, nail-biting, using teeth as tools, or aggressive brushing can cause damage to your teeth. Here is how these oral habits can damage our teeth.
Tobacco use is the single largest cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. In addition to causing cancer of the mouth and throat, tobacco use also causes gum disease by slowing down blood flow to the gums, making it harder for wounds to heal quickly. Patients who smoke are also more likely to need periodontal surgery or bone grafts after gum disease treatment compared to non-smokers. The best way to treat and prevent periodontal disease is to quit Smoking. Also, be sure to tell your dentist about your habit so that he or she can better advise you about your oral health. Your dentist can also recommend smoking cessation aids like nicotine gum to help you quit for good.
Grinding your teeth can lead to various oral health issues, including cracked or chipped teeth and wear on tooth enamel. The condition can eventually lead to TMJ disorder and may require treatment such as custom mouthguards. If you have the habit of teeth grinding, visit your dentist at the earliest for a solution.
Ice may seem like a harmless way to soothe your sore gums and freshen your breath. However, this bad habit can lead to lots of oral health problems. The hard texture of ice can damage the enamel on your teeth and lead to chips and cracks. These tiny openings can be the perfect home for bacteria that can then cause issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, when you chew on ice, it can cause major jaw pain for many people. That's because it puts a lot of pressure on your temporomandibular joint. This can cause chronic pain, headaches, and other complications. By stopping ice chewing in its tracks, you can help keep your smile healthy and free of decay and disease.
Nail biting is a habit that can easily damage your teeth if you're not careful. It can lead to enamel wear and chips on your teeth, as well as gum recession. This is not only bad for your appearance but also bad for your oral health! Your teeth are very tightly packed together in the mouth, and every time you bite your nails or chew on ice, it can cause stress fractures in them. This can result in tooth sensitivity and pain when you eat or drink hot or cold items. It can also make it harder to keep your gums healthy because the areas around these fractures are very weak and, therefore, more susceptible to gum disease.
Teeth are not designed to be tools for opening cans, tearing open packages, or cutting tape. Biting your nails or using your teeth to tear tough materials can result in tooth damage or trauma to the mouth. Using a bottle opener to pop tops off bottles can also result in broken teeth and injuries to the mouth. All of these habits can lead to expensive and painful dental repairs! Use caution when using your teeth for anything other than eating and speaking.
The key to properly brushing your teeth is to take your time and be gentle. If you rush through the process, you could damage your gums or wear down the enamel of your teeth. It's best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently move it around your mouth in circular motions. Avoid pressing too hard and using too much force. By practicing proper brushing techniques, you'll have a better chance of keeping a healthy smile for life.
If you would like to learn more about maintaining good oral health, contact our office. We look forward to seeing you! Contact us at (503) 230-8814 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.
